Bill > SF288

This bill establishes comprehensive protections for pregnant and recently pregnant students at Iowa's state institutions of higher education and community colleges. The legislation requires institutions to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant students, including allowing flexibility in test scheduling, assignment deadlines, and degree completion timelines. Institutions are prohibited from forcing a student to take a leave of absence or withdraw from a program solely due to pregnancy. The bill mandates that each institution develop and prominently display a written policy on pregnancy discrimination, provide information about student protections under federal education laws, and assign a specific office responsible for pregnancy and parenting support. Key provisions include allowing students to take a leave of absence with the ability to return to their program, maintaining their academic standing, and ensuring that accommodations are mutually agreed upon between the student and the institution. The bill also requires institutions to have a system for investigating pregnancy discrimination complaints and to provide resources and support for pregnant and parenting students. Importantly, the bill defines a "student" specifically as a biological female and explicitly states that these provisions do not apply to student employment at the institution. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to support pregnant students in completing their educational goals without discrimination.

Education

Education (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF288