This bill amends existing laws to enhance the verification process for the identity and employment eligibility of individuals applying for licensure or employment within educational institutions in Iowa. It mandates that the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) require all initial applicants for licensure and license renewal to provide evidence of their lawful presence in the United States. The bill specifies acceptable documents for proving lawful presence, including those that establish both employment authorization and identity, as outlined in federal law. Additionally, practitioners not subject to renewal requirements must provide this evidence every five years to maintain their licensure.

Furthermore, the bill imposes similar verification requirements on school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, mandating them to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals who have accepted job offers, in compliance with federal regulations. The provisions of this bill will apply to all applications for initial licensure and license renewal submitted to the BOEE on or after the bill's effective date.

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