Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF88

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.

Impact

The implementation of SF88 will substantially alter existing attendance policies in Iowa's educational institutions. By formalizing the recognition of civic and political activities as valid reasons for student absences, the bill encourages youth engagement in democratic processes. It not only alleviates potential legal repercussions related to chronic absenteeism for students attending such events, but also enhances their educational experience by integrating civic involvement with school curriculum, potentially fostering a generation more aware of and active in civic duties.

Summary

Senate File 88 (SF88) is a legislative proposal that mandates public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa to adopt policies allowing students in grades nine through twelve to be excused from school for participation in civic or political events. The bill specifies that each student is entitled to at least one excused absence per academic year for this purpose, provided they notify the school in advance and demonstrate their understanding of the event through a brief essay or other means of presentation.

Contention

Despite the intentions behind SF88, there may be points of contention regarding its execution. Critics may raise concerns about the administrative burden this places on schools, as additional policies need to be established and monitored to ensure compliance. Furthermore, questions about what constitutes a valid civic or political event could lead to debates on inclusivity and representativeness, potentially sparking discussions about political bias in schools and the equitable treatment of different civic activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2132

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.

IA HF2286

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.

IA HF2177

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts, governing boards of charter schools, and authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing student absences for 4-H club or future farmers of America activities.

IA SF179

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts, governing boards of charter schools, and authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing student absences for 4-H club or future farmers of America activities.

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.

IA HF372

A bill for an act relating to the physical education and physical activities requirements that apply to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA SF161

A bill for an act relating to the physical education and physical activities requirements that apply to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA HF2346

A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic contests or competitions by students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools in grades nine through twelve.

IA SF2150

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.

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.

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