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HF 804

A bill for an act requiring schools to perform criminal history checks prior to engaging any person to construct a new attendance center or to perform certain specified renovations or remodeling work.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Gosa

Iowa schools must conduct criminal background checks on construction contractors before hiring them for new building construction or major renovation projects.

Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.
#constructionwork #contractors #criminalhistory #laborandemployment #renovations #schools
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Bill Summary · HF 804

Legislative bill overview

HF 804 requires Iowa schools to conduct criminal history checks on any person or contractor engaged to construct new school buildings or perform specified renovation and remodeling work. The bill establishes a background screening requirement before schools can contract with construction firms or workers for these projects.

Why is this important

School construction and renovation projects involve workers with access to school facilities and potentially to students during work hours. Criminal background checks are intended to protect student safety by screening out individuals with disqualifying criminal histories before they enter school environments in a professional capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and timeline implications: Criminal background checks add expense and administrative time to construction bidding and project timelines, which could increase overall project costs passed to school districts and potentially delay necessary facility work.
  • Scope definition: The bill specifies "certain specified renovations or remodeling work" without clarifying what projects qualify, creating potential ambiguity about which contractors must be screened (e.g., minor repairs vs. major renovations).
  • Industry impact: Construction contractors may face administrative burden complying with school-specific requirements, potentially discouraging bidding on school projects and reducing competition in the market.

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

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