Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2198

Introduced
1/29/24  
Introduced
1/29/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the open enrollment of truant pupils.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws to enable receiving districts to act on truancy cases explicitly. It mandates that upon a decision to prohibit further enrollment, the receiving district must notify both the student’s parents or guardians and the sending district. Moreover, the sending district is required to enroll the pupil back into the school system. The intention behind this aspect of the bill is to ensure that pupils who are truant do not escape their educational responsibilities, even when they attempt to take advantage of open enrollment policies.

Summary

House File 2198 pertains to the regulations surrounding the open enrollment of truant pupils in Iowa. The bill proposes that if a pupil who is participating in the open enrollment program is found to be truant, the receiving school district has the authority to prohibit the pupil from remaining enrolled or enrolling in that district in the future. This provision aims to create a mechanism for school districts to manage enrollment and attendance more effectively in the context of student accountability.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the enforcement of this bill, especially regarding how truancy is defined and assessed. Critics might argue that the ability to prohibit enrollment could result in disproportionate penalties for students who struggle with unforeseen circumstances leading to their truancy. Additionally, the framework that allows parents or guardians to reapply for open enrollment after a prohibition could lead to questions about fairness and the implications of such prohibitions on student education and welfare. As education policies are often the subjects of passionate debate, the reactions from various stakeholders in the education sector will be worth monitoring.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2010

A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.

IA SF332

A bill for an act relating to the transportation to and from school of pupils participating in open enrollment.

IA SF2351

A bill for an act relating to the open enrollment of pupils who are truant or chronically absent, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2116.)

IA SF2116

A bill for an act relating to open enrollment, including by modifying provisions related to the open enrollment of pupils who are truant or chronically absent and children receiving educational instruction and course content delivered primarily over the internet, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2351.)

IA HF2363

A bill for an act relating to English learners, including by modifying provisions related to open enrollment and the payment of costs incurred in transporting English learners to nonpublic schools, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 557.)

IA AB1797

Pupil instruction: Open Enrollment Act.

IA HSB557

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to English learner participation in open enrollment and including applicability provisions.(See HF 2363.)

IA HF407

A bill for an act relating to open enrollment by requiring the payment of certain moneys received from the secure an advanced vision for education fund.

IA HF446

A bill for an act relating to the open enrollment of children receiving educational instruction and course content delivered primarily over the internet, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF810

A bill for an act relating to granting supplemental aid or a modified supplemental amount for school districts with high open enrollments, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

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