Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2151

Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)

Impact

The primary impact of HF2151 will be on the legal responsibilities and operational procedures regarding how educational incidents are reported and investigated within Iowa's school systems. It mandates that school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools adhere to new protocols that prevent them from entering agreements to conceal incidents or to waive their liabilities regarding past conduct. This change aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of school systems when allegations against employees arise.

Summary

House File 2151 is a legislative bill aimed at reforming the process for investigating complaints against school employees in Iowa. The bill modifies the roles of both the Department of Education (DE) and the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE), transferring the responsibility of investigating incidents involving possible illegal conduct by school employees from the DE to the BOEE. The bill also outlines specific processes and requirements for reporting and handling allegations of misconduct, particularly those that could involve felony charges against school employees.

Contention

HF2151 has sparked discussions regarding the balance of power between local educational authorities and state oversight bodies. Some stakeholders believe that transferring these investigative powers to the BOEE will lead to a more uniform and thorough approach to handling complaints, while others fear it could hinder local flexibility in addressing specific issues relevant to their communities. The repeal of previous provisions under section 256.158A indicates a significant shift in the educational accountability landscape, potentially raising concerns about the adequacy of protections for both students and employees during investigations.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3041

Related A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See SF 2365.)

IA HSB566

Related A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2151.)

IA SF2365

Similar To A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF167

A bill for an act relating to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of licensed school employees who engage in grooming behavior toward students.(Formerly HSB 46.)

IA HF2686

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to transitional coaching authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2307.)

IA SF273

A bill for an act relating to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of licensed school employees who engage in grooming behavior toward students. (Formerly SSB 1066.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2528

A bill for an act modifying the duties of the workforce development board, state board of education, and department of education related to cyber and artificial intelligence.(Formerly HSB 609.)

IA SF2222

A bill for an act relating to teacher education and licensing, including by modifying provisions related to practitioner preparation programs and licenses issued by the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3048.)

IA HF2230

A bill for an act relating to teacher education and licensing, including by modifying provisions related to practitioner preparation programs and licenses issued by the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 555.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA SSB3015

A bill for an act relating to the verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the board of educational examiners, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2218.)

IA HF2510

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents. (Formerly HSB 714.)

IA HF332

A bill for an act relating to administrators employed by school districts, including requiring administrators to provide instruction to students and modifying the responsibilities of the board of educational examiners.

IA HF2307

A bill for an act authorizing the board of educational examiners to issue provisional coaching authorizations.(See HF 2686.)

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