Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2365

Introduced

2/15/24

Introduced

2/15/24

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 SSB 3041.)

Impact

By modifying Sections 256.9 and 256.146 of the Iowa Code, the bill mandates that if an employee is under investigation for serious misconduct, including felonies, education boards can no longer enter into agreements that hinder the disclosure of incidents. Additionally, schools must maintain records that could be pivotal for future employer inquiries regarding past employee behavior. This shift not only aims to hold school administrations accountable but also seeks to protect potential students and parents from individuals with questionable pasts. The implications of these modifications will likely bolster public confidence in the handling of educational professionals’ conduct.

Summary

Senate File 2365 addresses the process by which complaints against school employees are reported and investigated. The bill transfers the responsibility of developing and implementing this process from the Department of Education (DE) to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). The changes included in this bill aim to streamline procedures for handling allegations of felonies or misconduct related to school employees, enhancing transparency and accountability within educational institutions. The requirement for thorough vetting of employee references and history is a significant point of emphasis in this bill.

Contention

There could be contention surrounding the aspects of confidentiality and employment liability as schools are prohibited from making agreements that would conceal past performance or misconduct allegations. Critics may argue that this could discourage individuals from entering the profession or lead to potential legal disputes regarding employment practices. Proponents may assert that the bill is essential for ensuring that schools maintain a high standard of employee integrity, thus advocating for student safety and quality education.

Latest IA SF2365 Activity

View All Events: IA 2023-2024 Regular Session SF2365

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

IA HF2151

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 HSB 566.)

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 SF2221

A bill for an act requiring the board of educational examiners to establish additional endorsements for instruction related to fine arts, mathematics, and science.(Formerly SSB 3043.)

IA HF2307

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

IA SF2218

A bill for an act relating to state regulatory compliance and eligibility requirements, including by modifying provisions related 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; the provision of a false social security number to an employer, prospective employer, or a potential employee; qualifications for employment, professional licensure, voter registration, and bail; making penalties applicable; and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3015.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.