Bills › 91st General Assembly

HF 865Signed by Governor · May 27, 2025

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

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 30, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 6, 2025
  3. Done: House committeeMarch 4, 2025
  4. Done: Passes the HouseMarch 18, 202564–33
  5. Done: Senate committeeMarch 31, 2025
  6. Done: Passes the SenateApril 29, 202532–16
  7. Done: To the GovernorMay 19, 2025
  8. 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.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

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

Amends§279.10§280.28

How the Code works3

Lobbying

8 for · 8 against · 11 undecided · Who →

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