The bill amends existing Iowa law to enhance the verification process for the identity and employment eligibility of individuals applying for licensure in educational roles. It mandates that the board of educational examiners conduct background investigations on all initial applicants, requiring them to submit fingerprint packets for national criminal history checks. Additionally, the board will have access to various registries and databases, including the sex offender registry and child abuse records, to review information on applicants for license renewal. A new requirement is introduced for all initial applicants and those seeking license renewal to provide evidence of their legal authorization to work in the United States, with specific documents outlined as acceptable proof.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section that requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals who have accepted job offers, aligning their processes with federal law. This verification must be conducted in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1324a. The applicability of these provisions is set to take effect for all applications submitted to the board of educational examiners on or after the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.146, 692A.121, 280.37
Reprinted: 256.146, 692A.121, 280.37