This bill amends existing laws regarding child abuse in relation to employees and agents of public and nonpublic schools in Iowa. It introduces definitions for "public school" and "nonpublic school" and includes employees and agents of these institutions in the definition of individuals responsible for the care of a child. The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report the results of child abuse assessments to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) and the relevant school authorities if the alleged perpetrator is an employee or agent of a school and if the abuse meets the definition of child abuse.

Additionally, the bill requires HHS to establish rules for school districts and nonpublic schools regarding the handling of child abuse reports involving their employees. These rules must ensure that any allegations of child abuse are reported to HHS and, if the allegations could constitute a criminal act, also to law enforcement. The bill further stipulates that school authorities must place employees on administrative leave during ongoing assessments and terminate their employment if they are found to have committed founded child abuse. The BOEE is also given the authority to deny or revoke licenses for individuals found to have committed founded child abuse or similar acts in other jurisdictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.68, 232.71B, 256.146, 235A.14