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 if the alleged perpetrator is an employee or agent of a school and holds a relevant license or certification.

Additionally, the bill requires HHS to establish rules for school districts and nonpublic schools to follow when handling reports of child abuse 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. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any employee under investigation for child abuse must be placed on administrative leave and prohibited from entering school property during the assessment process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.68, 232.71B, 256.146