HF 2106: Relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools and the duties of the department of education, and providing civil penalties

What it does

This bill relates to education, including by modifying provisions related to the protected speech and expression rights of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools (schools) and the duties of the department of education (DE). The bill prohibits schools from discriminating against or penalizing a student for engaging in religious, political, or ideological speech, or expressing a religious, political, or ideological viewpoint, in the same time, place, and manner, and to the same extent, that other similarly situated students are authorized to engage in speech or express views at school.

House subcommittee · named January 21, 2026

• Rep. Samantha Fett (R) · samantha.fett@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Helena Hayes (R) · helena.hayes@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Angel Ramirez (D) · angel.ramirez@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 12 for, 15 against

For: 1st Amendment Partnership; ADF Action; Americans For Prosperity; Homeschool Iowa; Inspired Life; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Professional Educators of Iowa; Rick Phillips; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

Against: Bitches Get Stuff Done; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Safe Schools; Iowa State Education Association; League of Women Voters of Iowa; One Iowa; One Iowa Action; Rural School Advocates of Iowa; and 3 more

In plain words

1. January 16, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee
2. January 21, 2026House subcommittee named: Fett, Hayes and Ramirez
3. January 29, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 4, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 4, 2026Committee vote: 16–7
6. February 6, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2336
7. March 9, 2026Withdrawn