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HF 865

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa law signed May 27, 2025, modifies school harassment and bullying provisions, affecting student protections and district enforcement obligations.

Signed by Governor.
#bullying #harassment #privateeducation #schooldistricts #students
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Bill Summary · HF 865

Legislative bill overview

HF 865 modifies Iowa's existing student harassment and bullying provisions by updating definitions, enforcement mechanisms, or reporting requirements for schools. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate (32-16) and was signed into law by the Governor on May 27, 2025.

Why is this important

Student safety and mental health are directly affected by school harassment policies. Schools need clear, enforceable standards to protect students, while also balancing due process concerns and implementation costs. Changes to these provisions impact thousands of Iowa students and school district operations statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Whether the modified harassment/bullying definitions are broad enough to protect vulnerable students or overly broad in ways that could chill free speech and student expression
  • Reporting and investigation burden: Whether enhanced reporting requirements place excessive administrative burdens on schools with limited resources
  • Remedies and consequences: Whether the bill's enforcement mechanisms adequately protect victims while ensuring fair treatment of accused students, particularly regarding discipline standards and due process protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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