Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB692

Introduced
2/12/24  
Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, requiring schools to conduct school safety reviews and have access to the statewide interoperable communications system, establishing the school emergency radio access grant program and the firearm detection software grant program within the department of homeland security and emergency management, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2652.)

Impact

The bill significantly modifies existing state laws regarding school infrastructure and safety. It prohibits school corporations from issuing bonds for building new facilities unless they comply with updated state building codes that incorporate heightened safety standards. Furthermore, the establishment of task forces to examine and recommend improvements to safety and security standards underlines the legislative focus on a proactive approach to managing threats in educational environments.

Summary

House Study Bill 692 (HSB692) aims to enhance school security in Iowa by establishing various measures and funding initiatives. Among the key provisions of the bill is the creation of grant programs for schools to purchase and implement firearm detection software, which alerts school personnel and first responders of any visible firearms on school properties. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive assessments of school safety, requiring schools to report their findings to local law enforcement and ensuring these evaluations become a new standard for safety protocols.

Contention

While proponents of HSB692 contend that these measures will bolster student and staff safety, there are concerns regarding overreach and funding. Critics argue that imposing these security measures, especially the requirements for radio access and safety evaluations, may place financial burdens on smaller school districts. The provisions that ensure funding for safety initiatives are supplemented rather than supplanting existing resources demonstrate an intent to secure comprehensive support, but there may be debate on what constitutes sufficient funding.

Companion Bills

IA HF2652

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

IA HF603

A bill for an act relating to school safety, including grant programs, attendance center standards, and emergency planning, and making appropriations.

IA HF2440

A bill for an act requiring the department of public safety, in collaboration with the department of education and the department of homeland security and emergency management, to convene a task force to study and make recommendations related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure.

IA SF500

A bill for an act relating to establishing the school security personnel grant program within the department of homeland security and emergency management and making appropriations.

IA SF2060

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF58

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

IA HF737

A bill for an act establishing the school health-related emergency response plan competitive grant program within the department of education, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.

IA HSB106

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

IA HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

Similar Bills

IA HF2652

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by modifying provisions related to the issuance of school bonds, the secure an advanced vision for education fund, school district use of professional development moneys, and school security equipment and infrastructure, requiring the department of public safety to convene a task force related to the safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 692.) Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2024.

NJ S3645

Requires New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to study cybersecurity infastructure and establish cybersecurity guidelines.

CA AB1023

California Cybersecurity Integration Center: school cybersecurity.

NJ A1204

Requires New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to study cybersecurity infrastructure and establish cybersecurity guidelines.

NJ S1053

Requires New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to study cybersecurity infastructure and establish cybersecurity guidelines.

NJ A5065

Requires New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to study cybersecurity infastructure and establish cybersecurity guidelines.

NJ S2799

Requires school districts and nonpublic schools to develop emergency operations plans; requires school districts to provide instruction on environmental and natural disasters to students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12.

NJ A1141

Requires school districts and nonpublic schools to develop emergency operations plans; requires school districts to provide instruction on environmental and natural disasters to students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12.