This bill establishes a prohibition against school districts and charter schools taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for using legal names, names as listed in school registration forms, or for failing to use personal pronouns in official communications. Specifically, it amends Section 256E.7 of the Code 2025 to require compliance with these prohibitions, and introduces a new section, 279.87, detailing the restrictions on disciplinary actions. The bill clarifies that disciplinary actions include termination, suspension, demotion, expulsion, detention, financial penalties, and reprimands.

Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for employees whose employment is terminated in violation of these provisions to seek civil action. This allows for potential reinstatement, back pay, civil damages up to three times the employee's annual wages and benefits, and other equitable relief, including attorney fees. The bill aims to protect individuals' rights regarding their names and pronouns in educational settings, ensuring that they are not penalized for their choices in these matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7