Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2396

Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly HF 2139.)

Impact

If passed, HF2396 would significantly alter the approach educational institutions take regarding personal naming and identity management within the school environment. By prohibiting disciplinary actions based on best practices surrounding name usage, the bill empowers individuals to maintain their legal identity without fear of retribution. It would necessitate a reevaluation of existing school policies to ensure compliance with these new regulations, potentially affecting administrative protocols in schools across the state.

Summary

House File 2396 aims to prevent school districts and charter schools from imposing disciplinary actions against employees, contractors, or students solely for using legal names or student names as recorded in school documents. The bill explicitly states that addressing individuals using their legal names cannot result in any form of disciplinary measure. Furthermore, it also protects individuals from penalties for not using personal pronouns in official communications within educational settings.

Contention

Discussions around HF2396 may lead to contention regarding the implications of enforcing such protections on personal expression and identity within educational frameworks. Supporters argue that the bill promotes respect and recognition of individual rights, while opponents might raise concerns about its potential impact on workplace and educational environments, fearing it could create confusion over identity and accountability. The enforcement mechanisms through civil action reserve a pathway for employees to seek recourse if subjected to violations of the bill's stipulations, further complicating its implementation.

Companion Bills

IA HF2139

Similar To A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(See HF 2396.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF8

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF80

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.

IA HB3138

Schools; public schools; students; higher education; prohibiting certain name usage; pronouns; prohibiting adverse employment action; prohibiting student disciplinary action; private cause of action; legal remedies; limitations; effective date.

IA HB1361

Schools; definitions; prohibiting school personnel and students from requesting and using certain pronouns or alternate names in certain situations; effective date; emergency.

IA HB1361

Schools; definitions; prohibiting school personnel and students from requesting and using certain pronouns or alternate names in certain situations; effective date; emergency.

IA HB246

Public schools, colleges, and universities; immunity provided to students and teachers who decline to use certain pronouns or names

IA HF2336

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools and the duties of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly HF 2106.)

IA HF884

A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students. (Formerly HF 334.)

IA SF2300

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools and the duties of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly SF 2062.)

IA SF211

A bill for an act relating to the administration of the statewide summative assessment of student progress to students of online schools by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly SSB 1025.)

Similar Bills

IA SF8

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF80

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.

LA SB326

Provides relative to the State Licensing Board for Contractors. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

IA HF2420

A bill for an act relating to education, including by establishing the office of the inspector general for school safety and modifying the duties of school districts, and making appropriations and providing penalties.

IA SF335

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to trainings and curricula provided by school districts and prohibited sexual orientation and gender identity instruction, and implementing prohibitions related to the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, community colleges, and public schools.

AZ HB2575

antisemitism; public schools; prohibition; penalties

AZ HB2867

Antisemitism; public schools; prohibition; penalties

TN HB1270

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 9, Chapter 8; Title 29, Chapter 20 and Title 49, relative to freedom of speech.