This bill amends Section 256.146 of the Iowa Code to establish grounds for the revocation or denial of educator licenses and certificates for individuals who publicly celebrate acts of politically motivated violence, specifically referencing the unlawful killing of Charles J. Kirk. The bill mandates that the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) adopt rules to disqualify applicants or revoke licenses based on criteria such as demonstrating moral turpitude, creating substantial disruption to the learning environment, or undermining public confidence in the education profession. A single verified instance of such celebration, whether on social media or in public statements, is sufficient for disqualification or revocation. The bill also requires the BOEE to initiate revocation proceedings upon receiving credible evidence of such behavior.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that prohibits the BOEE from revoking, suspending, or denying licenses based solely on an individual's expression of protected speech, including political viewpoints. However, this does not prevent the BOEE from taking action against individuals who celebrate politically motivated violence. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and has retroactive applicability to September 10, 2025, specifically concerning the disqualification and revocation provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.146