This week was the ninth week of the legislative session, and it was filled with debate and subcommittee work as we continue to see bills coming over from the House.
Next this upcoming week is the second funnel. This is our next big legislative deadline, and we look forward to the productive week ahead as we begin to review legislation that has made its way out of the House.
Tuesday was focused on education and how we can help create safer classroom environments for both teachers and students. Senate File 2404 requires the Department of Education to administer a pilot program for one rural school district and one urban school district to establish an attendance center. These centers would be used to provide educational services to eligible students requiring special education and students with behavioral issues. The goal of the bill is to help students who may be having more difficulties in a typical classroom setting and help support them in an environment where they can be successful with additional aid and services.
We also discussed Senate File 2428, a bill that I spent much of the interim researching and helping to draft. The bill addresses discipline for student-caused nonviolent or violent disruptions in school classrooms and works to help create safer environments for teachers and students in the classroom.
Under current law, discipline of a student involves a student making a threat of violence or causing an incident of violence that results in injury, property damage, or assault. This bill allows a student to be removed from the classroom for causing violent or non-violent disruption. This includes actions such as disorderly conduct, abuse or profane language, bullying, injury, property damage or assault. If they are removed, they are then placed under the supervision of the principal or another designated person. They are not allowed back into the classroom without the teacher’s consent. This gives the affected staff member a voice at the decision-making table that they may not have currently. Additionally, a review committee determines whether the student should return to the classroom. The bill also requires a student with repeat offenses to meet with a guidance counselor and parent or guardian to establish a successful path forward. If the student is on an Individual Education Plan and/or a Behavior Intervention Plan, the IEP team is required to meet to review the plans for modifications or changes in accordance with IDEA and FAPE and to determine the appropriate least restrictive environment for that child.
Throughout the legislative process, we heard from several teachers, parents and school administrators during the development of this bill. During the subcommittee hearing we heard some very emotional testimony from staff members who were victims of physical attacks from violent students. Violent behaviors in the classroom are an increasing concern. They pose a safety risk for students and staff. They also are a significant disruption to the learning environment. These bills are ways we can help support teachers and ensure they can focus on teaching, while students can safely focus on learning. Further study and recommendation is needed to assist the students exhibiting the violent behaviors as well.
One issue we hear a lot about at the Capitol is child care. On Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced grant awards totaling $5.2 million to expand 19 childcare and preschool programs partnerships. This is part of the governor’s initiative to help encourage partnerships between childcare providers and preschools to help working parents throughout the day and help kids prepare for school. Similarly, HF 2514 passed out of the Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday, which codifies the CCA workforce pilot project allowing employees who work at a childcare center in Iowa to be eligible for childcare assistance, regardless of their income. This pilot started in 2023.
The weeks ahead will require tough conversations and careful deliberation as we finalize our budget and policy goals. We are now going to begin considering more House proposals, and it is important to align our goals with those of our constituents.
Email me at lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov to voice your support or concerns on upcoming legislation. Visit the legislative website for information about bills important to you or to follow the work of the legislature: www.Legis.Iowa.Gov.
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