This bill amends the definition of "grooming behavior" in Iowa law as it pertains to mandatory reporting requirements for licensed school employees. The current definition describes grooming behavior as actions intended to entice or entrap a student into engaging in a sexual act. The new language changes this definition to focus on the process of building trust and emotional connections with a student, with the intent to exploit that student.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the obligation of school district boards, superintendents, and other educational authorities to report any disciplinary actions against licensed employees for engaging in grooming behavior or other inappropriate relationships with students. This change aims to enhance the protection of students by clarifying the nature of grooming behavior and ensuring that such actions are reported to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE).

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.160