This bill amends existing laws related to child abuse in the context of public and nonpublic schools in Iowa. It introduces definitions for "public school" and "nonpublic school" and includes employees and agents of these schools 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 of a school and the abuse meets the definition of child abuse. Additionally, it requires HHS to establish rules for handling reports of child abuse by school employees, which includes mandatory reporting to law enforcement if the alleged abuse constitutes a criminal act.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that school boards must place employees on administrative leave during ongoing child abuse assessments and prohibits them from entering school property during this time. If HHS finds that an employee has committed founded child abuse, the school board is required to terminate their employment. The BOEE is also empowered to deny or revoke licenses for individuals found in the central registry for child abuse or those who have committed acts of child abuse in other jurisdictions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accountability and procedures surrounding child abuse allegations involving school employees.

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