IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF83

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF83

Introduced
1/17/23  
Introduced
1/17/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

Impact

The implications of SF83 are significant for educational policies and practices in Iowa. By enacting this bill, schools could face limitations on how they address gender identity topics, further reflecting societal divisions on this issue. Supporters of the bill argue that it protects students from topics they deem inappropriate for their age, while opponents see it as a restriction that could hinder the understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities, ultimately affecting students who may identify as LGBTQ+. The prohibition signifies a shift towards a more traditionalist viewpoint in educational governance, possibly impacting the inclusiveness of educational environments.

Summary

Senate File 83 (SF83) is a legislative proposal that seeks to address the inclusion of gender identity instruction within the educational curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The primary aspect of the bill stipulates that school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools must not include any instruction related to gender identity as defined in the bill. This limitation applies to the required curriculum areas, including language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, and physical education, among others. The intent behind this bill is to ensure that the curriculum remains free of discussions related to gender identity, which has become a contentious issue in educational settings across the state and nationwide.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the bill is the private cause of action provision it introduces. This allows parents or guardians to file civil lawsuits against school entities if they believe there has been a violation of the gender identity instruction prohibition. This aspect has raised concerns regarding the potential for increased legal disputes between parents and educational institutions, potentially creating a divisive and adversarial atmosphere in communities. Critics argue that this may lead to unnecessary litigation based on interpretations of the bill, potentially diverting schools' focus from education to legal compliance.

Latest SF83 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF8

A bill for an act prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade three.(See HF 348.)

IA HF348

A bill for an act prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade six. (Formerly HF 8.)

IA SF159

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education and school districts, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in school districts and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying provisions associated with the human growth and development instruction and health screenings provided in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF513

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying.

IA HF187

A bill for an act relating to instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools related to the availability of a vaccine to prevent the human papilloma virus.

IA SF496

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, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SF66

A bill for an act relating to the health and human growth and development instruction provided by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.

IA HSB586

A bill for an act requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction related to character development to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve.

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

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