Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF9

Introduced
1/11/23  
Introduced
1/11/23  

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.(See HF 180.)

Impact

The implementation of HF9 is likely to have significant ramifications on how school districts and charter schools handle matters related to gender identity. By mandating parental approval for any form of accommodation or related disclosures, this bill reshapes the interaction between students' rights to express their identities and parental authority. This shift can lead to a more controlled environment within schools, where students may feel deterred from openly discussing or exploring their gender identities due to potential repercussions from parents or the schooling system.

Summary

House File 9 (HF9) introduces a framework concerning parental and guardian consent related to the gender identity of students enrolled in educational institutions in Iowa. The bill expressly prohibits schools from accommodating students' gender identities if they differ from the sex assigned at birth, except with written consent from the parents or guardians. This regulation extends to practices that might encourage students to conceal such information from their guardians, thereby placing substantial authority and oversight in the hands of parents over their children's expression of gender identity.

Contention

Notably, HF9 has sparked considerable debate among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that it empowers parents and safeguards minors from making decisions that may have long-term implications without parental guidance. In contrast, opponents view the bill as a regression that undermines the autonomy of students and could contribute to an unwelcoming environment for those exploring or affirming their gender identity. The contention centers on the balance between protecting parental rights and ensuring that students feel safe and supported in their educational settings.

Companion Bills

IA HF180

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.(Formerly HF 9.)

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 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 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 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 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 S01349

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

IA A03515

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

IA HB3465

Relating to type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of public and public charter school students

IA HF2122

A bill for an act relating to the discipline of students who exhibit disorderly conduct in the classroom and who are enrolled in school districts, charter schools, or innovation zone schools.(See HF 2538.)

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