The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to enhance the consideration of a minor child's educational setting during child custody proceedings. A new definition of "educational setting" is introduced, which encompasses various forms of education, including public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and private instruction, without specifying a particular school or location. Additionally, the bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that it is in the best interest of the child to remain in the educational setting they were enrolled in during the previous school year, unless evidence suggests otherwise.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that custody orders include specific provisions regarding each parent's rights and responsibilities related to the child's educational setting. This includes access to the child during school hours, access to educational records, decision-making authority, and stipulations regarding the removal of the child from the educational setting. Notably, it specifies that a parent cannot access the other parent's home during private instruction sessions. Legal custody holders are also required to provide a copy of the custody order to the child's educational setting and school district.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.1, 598.10, 598.41
Reprinted: 598.1, 598.10, 598.41