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 respective school authorities if the alleged perpetrator is an employee of a school and the abuse meets the definition of child abuse.

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 include procedures for reporting such allegations to HHS and law enforcement if the allegations could constitute a criminal act. The bill also stipulates that employees under investigation for child abuse must be placed on administrative leave and barred from school property, and it mandates termination of employment if a finding of founded child abuse is made. Furthermore, the BOEE is empowered 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