This bill aims to enhance child sexual abuse and child sexual assault awareness and prevention in Iowa schools. It amends existing law to require the director of the Department of Education to develop age-appropriate materials that include information on recognizing and rejecting unwanted sexual advances, the dangers of online exploitation, and resources for survivors. Notably, the bill adds a focus on child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention to the existing educational materials. Additionally, it mandates the development of model guidelines for instruction on these topics for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, ensuring that schools provide consistent and effective education on these critical issues.

Furthermore, the bill establishes continuing education requirements for educators, allowing them to participate in training related to child sexual abuse and assault awareness. It also specifies that all school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools must comply with the new instructional requirements. The state will cover the costs associated with these mandates through existing school foundation aid, ensuring that schools can implement the necessary changes without additional financial burden. Overall, the bill seeks to create a safer educational environment by equipping students and educators with the knowledge and resources to address and prevent child sexual abuse and assault.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256.146, 256E.7, 280.36