Education

SF 176 modifies the rules for students who open enroll in a school district to receive educational instruction primarily over the internet. It specifies that these pupils may participate in cocurricular and extracurricular activities offered by their district of residence only if the online school district they attend does not sponsor such activities. Pupils are generally limited to participating in no more than two activities per school year, unless their resident district approves additional participation. They must also comply with the resident district's eligibility and conduct requirements for these activities.

This bill modifies the definition of "grooming behavior" for which licensed school employees must be reported to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). Currently, "grooming behavior" is defined as actions to entice a student with the intent to engage in a sex act. This bill expands the definition to a "pattern of behavior" intended to entice or entrap a student. The updated definition clarifies that the intent is to "take advantage of such student for the benefit of the individual," which includes engaging in a sex act, but is not limited to it. School administrators remain responsible for reporting disciplinary actions related to this behavior.

HF 2307 creates a "provisional coaching authorization" for the Board of Educational Examiners to issue to individuals seeking coaching roles without full credentials. It requires applicants to complete background checks, CPR/defibrillator training, youth sports concussion training, and child abuse reporter training. The provisional license expires after 180 days or the end of the sport season, whichever comes first, and allows conversion to a full authorization by completing specific training, coursework, or providing prior coaching experience. This bill directly affects prospective coaches in Iowa schools and adjusts hiring priority, placing those with provisional authorizations below fully credentialed coaches in school hiring decisions.

HF 2091 prohibits falsely claiming to hold an academic degree or credentials for employment or personal gain. It defines this as a fraudulent practice, making it a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines between $1,025 and $10,245. The bill directly affects individuals who misrepresent their education to secure jobs or other benefits. Key provisions establish clear penalties for this specific type of fraud, aligning it with existing fraudulent practice laws under Iowa code.

HF 2122 allows teachers in Iowa public schools (including districts, charters, and innovation zones) to remove students exhibiting disorderly conduct - such as threats, violence, disruptions, or profane language - from their classrooms. Principals must then follow specific procedures, including providing written notice before readmitting students and disciplining those excluded three times in 30 days (e.g., suspension or alternative learning). The bill also grants teachers the right to appeal principal decisions about exclusions or readmissions, protects them from retaliation for using these rights, and requires school districts to provide injured teachers with five days of full-paid leave. It applies directly to educators, students, and school staff while aligning disciplinary policies with state and federal education laws.