Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa House of Representatives have met accordingly since Jan. 12 to discuss and vote on legislation. Reaching their first deadline on Feb. 20, there are several updates on bills that will affect schools across the state.
On Feb. 24, SF 2201 passed the Senate and is now awaiting the Governor’s final approval. The bill will increase public school funding by 2%, along with an additional proposal of $7 million for paraeducator wages.
The agreed-upon sum may not be substantial for public schools when inflation is factored in. House Democrats originally pushed for a 5% increase, while Republicans opposed this, claiming it was too high of a cost.
HF 2171 remains on the list of potential bills to be approved.
If passed, this new legislation will eliminate requirements for K-12 students to be vaccinated in order to attend school, directly transferring vaccine power into the hands of parents.
The current law ensures K-12 students are vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, hepatitis B, varicella and meningitis. Religious and medical exemptions are permitted in certain instances.
Medical professionals have spoken out against this potential change. Despite recent CDC health updates placing less importance on vaccinations, pediatricians still recommend vaccines as one of the best ways to prevent large outbreaks of sickness.
HSB 636 is moving on for continued discussion. It will ban partnerships between public libraries and school systems.
The purpose of this proposed bill is to bar students from having easy access to mature content. However, its passing could harm institutions both already short on resources.
HF 2121 has moved out of committee and is now open for floor debate. Passing the bill would extend the existing law that encompasses K-6th to include a 7th-12th ban on instruction of sexual orientation and gender theory.
Democrats say the bill will directly oppose students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Republicans counter that teachers should focus only on education and keep any unnecessary pressures on sexuality away from students.
The ruling on these bills will be determined by the end of the legislative session on March 30 or earlier.
