Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF58

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

Caption

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 252.)

Impact

As a significant legislative measure, SF58 mandates institutions to create supportive environments for student parents. Institutions are required to provide detailed procedures and written policies addressing pregnancy discrimination, which includes the assignment of a staff member responsible for overseeing compliance and support for affected students. Moreover, the bill stipulates that students should have access to essential resources, information, and accommodations that consider their unique needs, thus promoting a more inclusive educational atmosphere.

Summary

Senate File 58, introduced by J. Taylor, addresses the rights of students who are pregnant or have recently given birth attending state institutions of higher education, including those governed by the board of regents and community colleges. The bill ensures these students receive reasonable accommodations that allow them to continue their education without being compelled to take a leave of absence or withdraw from their academic programs solely due to pregnancy or childbirth. This includes allowing students to reschedule tests, assignments, and providing necessary excused absences for medical reasons related to pregnancy.

Contention

Although SF58 aims to support student parents, potential points of contention could arise regarding the implementation and enforcement of its provisions. Questions may surface about how effectively institutions can adapt to these new requirements, particularly concerning maintaining academic standards while accommodating the needs of pregnant students. Additionally, the financial implications for institutions, in terms of needing additional resources to comply with these mandates, could also spark debate among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

IA SF252

Similar To A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF12

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 288.)

IA HF103

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.

IA SF288

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges. (Formerly SF 12.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HB2328

Admission to bail; pregnant persons or persons who have recently given birth.

IA HB0006

Public Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan and Reporting

IA HB6

Public Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan and Reporting

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans, and by requiring the state board of regents to submit a report related to establishing a performance-based funding model for the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents. (Formerly HSB 572.)

IA SB420

Public Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan and Reporting

IA SB511

Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan Requirements (Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act)

IA HB840

Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan Requirements (Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act)

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TX HB5180

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CA AB1098

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