Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1005

Introduced
1/10/23  
Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to civil actions associated with permissible physical contact between certain specified school employees or volunteers and students, including civil and criminal immunity, monetary damages, and attorney fees.(See SF 149.)

Impact

The bill modifies existing legal frameworks regarding corporal punishment in Iowa schools. By defining permissible physical contact and establishing criteria for immunity, it aims to clarify the legal responsibilities of school staff and volunteers. Under this bill, school districts and authorized educational institutions would also receive immunity, thereby enhancing protections for both individuals and institutions. This institutional immunity is intended to encourage school officials and volunteers to act decisively without the fear of legal repercussions, allowing for a safer environment for students.

Summary

SSB1005 is an act concerning civil actions related to permissible physical contact between designated school employees or volunteers and students. The bill proposes that physical contact, when deemed reasonable and necessary under specific circumstances, should not be classified as corporal punishment. Permissible contact can involve protection for students and staff, as well as actions taken to safeguard property. Importantly, the bill extends civil and criminal immunity to school employees and volunteers who act in good faith when engaging in such physical contact, protecting them from potential lawsuits in specific scenarios.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SSB1005, particularly concerning the interpretation of what constitutes 'reasonable' physical contact. Advocates argue that the bill supports protective actions by educators and volunteers, ensuring they are supported in protective measures for students. However, critics express concerns that the bill may inadvertently legitimize excessive force or inappropriate physical interactions in schools by creating ambiguity around permitted actions. The balance between protecting students and ensuring proper oversight of school employee behavior remains a point of significant debate as lawmakers and community members discuss the implications of the bill.

Companion Bills

IA SF149

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to civil actions associated with permissible physical contact between certain specified school employees or volunteers and students, including civil and criminal immunity, monetary damages, and attorney fees.(Formerly SSB 1005.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF149

A bill for an act relating to civil actions associated with permissible physical contact between certain specified school employees or volunteers and students, including civil and criminal immunity, monetary damages, and attorney fees.(Formerly SSB 1005.)

IA HF355

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 224; See HF 672.)

IA HF224

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 355, HF 672.)

IA HF361

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF672

A bill for an act relating to certain specified employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, including renewal requirements associated with licenses issued by the board of educational examiners to practitioners with master's or doctoral degrees, fees associated with the review of certain specified records, and background checks for employees of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools. (Formerly HF 355, HF 224.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB206

A bill for an act relating to education, including authorizing the ombudsman to investigate complaints received by individuals who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, modifying the responsibilities of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and authorizing teachers employed by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, or charter schools to remove disruptive students from the classroom.(See HF 604.)

IA HF2487

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of certain specified school employees, complaints against school employees and the investigation of complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 568.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF604

A bill for an act relating to education, including authorizing the ombudsman to investigate complaints received by individuals who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, and modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, and charter schools. (Formerly HSB 206.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

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