Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF180

Refer
5/4/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to parental and guardian consent and information regarding the gender identity of students enrolled in a school district or charter school.(Formerly HF 9.)

Impact

HF180, if enacted, would have significant implications for school policies regarding gender identity matters. It prohibits school districts from taking actions that could be interpreted as encouraging or facilitating gender identity transitions without explicit parental approval. This could lead to changes in how educational institutions interact with students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, effectively restricting their autonomy in affirming their gender identities without parental involvement.

Summary

House File 180 addresses parental and guardian consent related to the gender identity of students enrolled in Iowa school districts or charter schools. The bill stipulates that schools cannot affirm a student's gender identity if it differs from the sex listed on their official birth certificate without the written consent of a parent or guardian. This legislation is aimed at regulating how schools handle discussions and accommodations concerning students' gender identities and seeks to ensure that parents remain informed and involved in these matters.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators, educators, and advocates. Proponents argue that it protects parental rights and ensures that parents are involved in important decisions regarding their children’s well-being. However, opponents contend that the bill may undermine the support that schools could provide to vulnerable students and could contribute to an environment where students feel pressured to conform to norms rather than receive the necessary support and understanding during critical periods of their identity development. The language of the bill raises concerns over potential stigmatization of gender-diverse students and the risk of excluding them from necessary discussions surrounding their mental health and well-being.

Companion Bills

IA HF9

Similar To A bill for an act relating to parental and guardian consent and information regarding the gender identity of students enrolled in a school district or charter school.(See HF 180.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF113

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.

IA HF929

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to closed sessions of meetings of the boards of directors of school districts and school district requirements to publish information regarding the school district's policies and procedures and educational materials available to students enrolled in the school district.(Formerly HSB 156.)

IA S1728

"Parents' Bill of Rights Act"; requires public school and school district provide certain information to parents and guardians and obtain parental consent prior to taking certain actions.

IA A4812

"Parents' Bill of Rights Act"; requires public school and school district provide certain information to parents and guardians and obtain parental consent prior to taking certain actions.

IA HSB156

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to school district requirements to publish information regarding the school district's policies and procedures and educational materials available to students in the school district.(See HF 929.)

IA HF121

A bill for an act relating to student resources for the submission of applications for home and community-based services waivers by the parents or guardians of students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, or innovation zone schools.

IA A03515

Requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or students upon enrollment.

IA S01349

Requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or students upon enrollment.

IA SB86

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.

IA HB2846

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.

Similar Bills

CA AB1025

Standby Caretaker Act.

NJ A969

Establishes Office of Professional Corporate Guardians.

CA AB2283

State Public Guardian.

TX SB2342

Relating to the application for appointment of a guardian and to requiring criminal history record information and other information in connection with the guardianship of a ward or the ward's estate.

WV HB4358

Establishing pilot program for Public Guardian Ad Litem Services

WV HB2035

Establishing pilot program for Public Guardian Ad Litem Services

IL HB3811

PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL GUARDIANS

MI HB4634

Probate: guardians and conservators; appointment; modify procedure. Amends secs. 5303, 5304, 5306, 5306a, 5312 & 5416 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5303 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4632'25, HB 4633'25, HB 4635'25