Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF348

Introduced
2/20/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  
Introduced
2/20/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  

Caption

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.)

Impact

If passed, HF 348 would result in significant changes to the state's educational framework, particularly in the realm of human growth and development lessons typically taught in early schooling. The prohibitions outlined in the bill may lead to curriculum adjustments, potentially eliminating discussions related to sexual orientation and gender identity for young students. Proponents argue that it is essential to prioritize parental rights and protect children from topics they deem inappropriate at an early age. However, opponents contend that such limitations could hinder children's understanding of diversity and acceptance in society.

Summary

House File 348, also known as HF 348, is a piece of legislation introduced in Iowa that seeks to prohibit any instructional material or programs related to gender identity and sexual orientation for students in kindergarten through grade six at both public and charter schools. The bill aims to amend existing state education regulations, specifically affecting curriculum content that schools can offer. This reflects broader national trends where similar measures have been proposed or enacted in various states, focusing on parental control over educational content concerning sensitive social issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF 348 is highly contentious. Supporters assert that the bill is necessary to uphold family values and ensure that children are not exposed to what they consider potentially confusing or inappropriate content at a vulnerable age. Conversely, critics argue that the legislation could foster an environment of exclusion and ignorance regarding LGBTQ+ identities, which may adversely affect the acceptance and understanding fostered amongst students. The backdrop of this debate is a significant divide over educational policies and children's rights in larger societal conversations.

Contention

Debates related to HF 348 hinge on issues of educational oversight, parental rights, and the balance of protecting children versus providing comprehensive education. Key points of contention include the appropriateness of discussing gender and sexual orientation topics in schools, parental authority in determining educational content, and the potential psychological impact on students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for further legislation and influence how such social subjects are taught across Iowa and possibly beyond.

Companion Bills

IA HF8

Similar To 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.)

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 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 HSB84

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve.

IA SF83

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.

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 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 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.)

IA HSB222

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.

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 HF480

A bill for an act relating to the human growth and development instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

Similar Bills

MI HB6248

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

MI SB1145

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

MI HB4687

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

MI SB0453

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

CA AB2109

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NJ A284

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CA SB1440

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TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.