This bill amends existing laws regarding the administration of surveys to students and school employees in Iowa. It requires school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to assist the Department of Health and Human Services in administering the Iowa youth survey, which is conducted biennially for students in grades 6, 8, and 11. The results of this survey, which focuses on student health behaviors and experiences, must be reported to both the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring that no personally identifiable information is included in the reports.

Additionally, the bill repeals Code section 279.79, which previously mandated that school districts obtain prior written consent from a student's parent or guardian before administering certain surveys. It also eliminated the requirement for charter schools and innovation zone schools to comply with the provisions of this section. The new legal language inserted into the law emphasizes compliance with the Iowa youth survey requirements, while the deletion of section 279.79 removes previous consent requirements and restrictions on survey participation related to students' social and emotional characteristics.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 280.36, 256F.4