Bills › 91st General Assembly
Modifying provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools
Sponsored by the House Education Committee, Rep. Brooke Boden (R)
Topics:K–12 education
Same legislation: HF 149
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 30, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 6, 2025
- Done: House committeeMarch 4, 2025
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 18, 202564–33
- Done: Senate committeeMarch 31, 2025
- Done: Passes the SenateApril 29, 202532–16
- Done: To the GovernorMay 19, 2025
- Done: Signed into lawMay 27, 2025
Signed into law What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Schools would change how they define harassment and bullying for their students. Under this new rule, these actions must be repeated and targeted to count as harassment or bullying. The update also removes the requirement that the behavior be based on a specific trait or characteristic of the student.1
Read the official explanation
This bill modifies provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools.28 requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt a policy declaring harassment and bullying in schools, on school property, and at any school function, or school-sponsored activity, regardless of its location, as against state and school policy.28 defines “harassment” and “bullying” to mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of certain specified conditions. The bill modifies the definition of “harassment” and “bullying” to mean any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of certain specified conditions.18 (open enrollment).28.28.28, Code 2024.
Why it matters. Students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools would see changes to how harassment and bullying are defined. Under this proposal, these acts must be repeated and targeted to meet the new definitions, and the requirement that conduct be based on a student's specific trait or characteristic would be removed.2
Senate subcommittee
Named March 26, 2025. On March 27, 2025 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
6 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 11, 2025 (6) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
8 for · 8 against · 11 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly