The proposed bill establishes the Office of the Inspector General for School Safety in Iowa, granting it independent investigative and oversight authority over schools. The Inspector General, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for a six-year term, will investigate serious safety incidents, such as physical assaults and credible threats of violence. The bill mandates that all school employees, contractors, volunteers, and school resource officers report material school safety incidents within 48 hours, with penalties for noncompliance ranging from simple misdemeanors to class D felonies for repeated violations. It also allows for civil actions against schools for failing to report incidents or retaliating against reporters, while providing qualified immunity to schools if employees acted in good faith.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Inspector General to publish findings of noncompliance and submit an annual report to the General Assembly on investigatory activities. It establishes an operations fund for the office, supported by state appropriations, to facilitate its functions. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that it does not transfer disciplinary authority from schools to the Inspector General, preserving teachers' lawful authority to manage classroom order. Overall, the bill aims to enhance school safety through increased accountability and structured reporting mechanisms.