Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF345

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to compulsory education, including by modifying provisions related to absenteeism and truancy policies adopted by school districts and school attendance requirements related to children who are undergoing military entrance processing or who are engaged in military service.

Impact

The introduction of SF345 is likely to redefine school attendance policies, requiring districts to provide clearer definitions of unexcused absences and associated penalties. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes proactive measures, mandating that schools take steps to support students who may become chronically absent. This could lead to the implementation of personalized support plans that are designed to address the specific needs of students and their families, ultimately aiming to reduce dropout rates and improve overall educational engagement.

Summary

Senate File 345 seeks to amend existing laws regarding compulsory education in the state of Iowa, specifically targeting absenteeism and truancy policies. The bill mandates that public school districts develop comprehensive policies around absenteeism that must account for various excusable absences, such as medical appointments, family emergencies, and preapproved educational opportunities. Notably, the bill explicitly includes children undergoing military entrance processing or those engaged in military service as exempt from certain attendance requirements, thus accommodating the unique circumstances faced by military families.

Conclusion

Overall, SF345 represents a significant move towards modernizing educational policy in Iowa. By considering the unique conditions of military families and enhancing the support for chronically absent students, the bill could foster a more inclusive and understanding environment within the state's educational system. However, its implications on local governance and operational autonomy of school districts might necessitate further deliberation and stakeholder engagement.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding SF345 may focus on the balance between state regulations and local control. While supporters may argue that standardized policies across districts will create consistency and provide clarity for families, critics may express concerns that such mandates could limit the flexibility schools need to address specific community needs. Additionally, the repealing of existing provisions related to absenteeism enforcement may provoke discussions about effective accountability measures for both students and parents in ensuring attendance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2368

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2496

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the responsibilities of nonpublic schools.

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.)

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 HF2254

A bill for an act relating to student public school attendance, including by modifying provisions related to state aid payments to school districts and requiring the development of an attendance improvement plan when a student is chronically absent from school.(See HF 2547.)

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.