Bill > HF389

This bill creates a comprehensive framework for investigating and addressing student abuse by school employees in Iowa. The legislation defines key terms such as "school employee" (which includes not just teachers, but also vendors, agents, and volunteers working with schools) and "student abuse" (which covers nonaccidental physical injuries, sexual offenses, and actions that allow or encourage prohibited activities involving students). The bill establishes that the Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for investigating reports of student abuse, requiring them to commence an investigation within 24 hours of receiving a report and complete it within 30 business days. When a report is received, the school must immediately place the accused employee on administrative leave and prohibit them from school property. If the alleged abuse constitutes a criminal act, the department must refer the matter to law enforcement and notify the school district and the Board of Educational Examiners. Upon completing an investigation, if the department determines student abuse occurred, the school is required to terminate the employment of the school employee. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to driver's licenses to include student abuse as a potential grounds for action. Importantly, the legislation mandates that information about student abuse investigations be maintained separately from child abuse reports, highlighting the distinct nature of these cases.

Education

Education (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF389