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 involving them in certain surveys. This section also prohibited school employees or contractors from answering questions about individual students in surveys related to their social or emotional competencies unless specific requirements were met. By removing these provisions, the bill streamlines the process for administering the Iowa youth survey and aligns the requirements for charter and innovation zone schools with those of traditional school districts.

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