This bill amends the definition of "grooming behavior" in Iowa law as it pertains to mandatory reporting to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) regarding licensed school employees. The current definition describes grooming behavior as actions intended to entice or entrap a student into engaging in a sex act. The new language redefines grooming behavior to mean the process of building trust and emotional connections with a student with the intent to exploit that student.

The bill emphasizes the importance of reporting any disciplinary actions taken against licensed school employees for inappropriate conduct, including grooming behavior. It maintains the requirement for school district boards, superintendents, and other educational authorities to report such instances to the BOEE, thereby reinforcing the commitment to student safety and the prevention of exploitation in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.160