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 respective 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, which must include reporting to HHS and, in cases where the alleged abuse constitutes a criminal act, to law enforcement. It also stipulates that school boards must place employees on administrative leave during ongoing assessments and terminate employment if a finding of founded child abuse is made. The BOEE is granted 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