Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF305

Introduced
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/15/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation poses significant implications for how educational materials are curated and what legal recourse parents may have in the case of violations. If a parent or guardian successfully sues a school for violations of the bill, they may receive substantial financial penalties from the schools involved. These penalties include not less than $5,000 initially, and potentially rising further based on the duration of the violation. This is intended to serve as a deterrent against non-compliance and ensure that educational institutions adhere strictly to these regulations.

Summary

Senate File 305 aims to regulate the dissemination of certain materials, specifically addressing the presence of obscene material and hard-core pornography in schools. The bill mandates that schools designate administrators to ensure that such materials are not available to students in libraries or classrooms. It establishes prohibitions against administrators and teachers knowingly providing students with obscene materials, and includes educational institutions such as public schools, private accredited schools, and charter schools under its directives. Complications arise as the bill seeks to further amend existing laws concerning the educational system's framework and content oversight.

Contention

Notably, the bill is contentious among legislators and educators. Some argue that it could lead to censorship and restrict access to valuable educational resources, potentially stifling discussions around critical social issues. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the subjectivity of what constitutes 'obscene material' and how that can affect the broader educational narrative. The requirement for schools to maintain lists of removed books, along with potential penalties for compliance failures, could place significant pressure on educational administrators and complicate library operations.

Companion Bills

IA HF361

Similar To 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.

Previously Filed As

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 SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF558

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF5

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring the boards of directors of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools to publish certain specified information, modifying provisions related to required social studies instruction, and providing civil penalties.

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 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 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 HF430

A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners, modifying the membership of the board of educational examiners, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 10.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2151

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)

IA SF2365

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)

Similar Bills

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.

FL H1305

Materials Harmful to Minors

UT SB0057

Sexual Abuse Material Amendments

MO SB1245

Modifies provisions relating to children and vulnerable persons

MO SB148

Modifies provisions relating to the protection of vulnerable persons

FL H1463

Childhood Mental Health, Safety, and Welfare

LA HB268

Amends terminology regarding pornography involving juveniles

IA SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.