Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2138

Introduced
1/25/24  
Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the human growth and development curriculum provided by school districts, including enrollment of students in grades seven through twelve in human growth and development courses and information provided to parents and guardians.

Impact

The proposed bill would alter the existing statutes regarding the human growth and development curriculum by ensuring parents are directly involved in their child's education concerning these topics. By requiring written consent, the bill sets a precedent for parental participation, potentially protecting family values and perspectives on sensitive subjects. However, it may also limit students' access to important information and education on human growth and development, which could impact their preparedness for future health-related decisions.

Summary

House File 2138, introduced by Representatives Hayes and Golding, is a legislative proposal that addresses the human growth and development curriculum used in Iowa school districts. The bill aims to control the enrollment of students in grades seven through twelve in human growth and development courses by instituting requirements for parental consent. Specifically, the bill mandates that a school district may not enroll a student in such courses or facilitate attendance at educational conferences without obtaining written informed consent from the student's parent or guardian.

Conclusion

Overall, HF2138 seeks to amend existing laws affecting how school districts handle human growth and development curricula, placing a significant emphasis on parental consent. The outcome of this bill may set important precedents affecting future education policies in Iowa, particularly concerning sensitive subject matters taught in schools.

Contention

There are likely points of contention surrounding HF2138, especially regarding the balance between parental rights and the educational needs of students. Proponents of the bill might argue that it strengthens parental authority in educational matters, providing families with greater control over what their children learn. Conversely, opponents could argue that making such consent a requirement might hinder comprehensive education in human growth and development, depriving students of essential knowledge that should be part of their education.

Companion Bills

IA SF2027

Similar To A bill for an act relating to human growth and development course enrollment at school districts and to pupil attendance at educational conferences or seminars in which human growth and development information is provided.

Previously Filed As

IA SF115

A bill for an act relating to human growth and development course enrollment at school districts and to pupil attendance at educational conferences or seminars in which human growth and development information is provided.

IA SF2066

A bill for an act relating to human growth and development course enrollment at school districts and to pupil attendance at educational conferences or seminars in which human growth and development information is provided.

IA HF76

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 seven through twelve.

IA HF391

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 seven through twelve.(Formerly HSB 34.)

IA HSB34

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 seven through twelve.(See HF 391.)

IA SSB1028

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See SF 175.)

IA SF175

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades five through twelve. (Formerly SSB 1028.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HB4100

Relating to human growth and development curriculum

IA SB978

Requires school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on human growth and development

IA HB2150

Relating to human growth and development curriculum

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2022 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

VA HB29

Chaptered