Relating to student dress code policies of public schools, charter schools, and innovation school zones, and including applicability provisions

This bill relates to student dress code policies of school districts, charter schools, and innovation school zones. The bill requires that the board of directors of a public school district adopt a dress code policy applicable to students in kindergarten through grade 12. The bill provides that the dress code policy shall require that students dress in attire that is appropriate for an educational setting, presentable, and promotes personal hygiene, neatness, and modesty. The bill further establishes minimum standards that must be included in each school district’s dress code policy, including that clothing is clean, in good repair, adequately covers the body, and that footwear is worn at all times and appropriate for the school environment. The bill prohibits clothing that contains language, symbols, or images that promote illegal activities, and clothing that exposes undergarments or midriffs. Accessories or attire, including gang-related attire, that the board of directors of a school district determine is disruptive to the health, safety, or educational environment are also prohibited. The bill permits the board of directors of a school district to adopt additional dress code requirements and uniform policies, provided such requirements comply with the bill, the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and the Constitution of the United States. Each school district must establish enforcement procedures, including consequences for violations, and must provide reasonable accommodations for students based on religious beliefs, medical needs, or other circumstances protected by state or federal law. The bill requires that dress code policies be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of each school year and posted on the school district’s internet site. The bill requires dress code policies to be applied uniformly and without discrimination. The bill provides that charter schools and innovation school zones are subject to the requirements of the bill in the same manner as a school district. The bill applies to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.