House passes bill expanding grooming definition and mandatory reporting for school employees
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Summary
Senate File 273, which updates the statutory definition of grooming and requires reporting of licensed school employees who engage in grooming behavior to the Board of Educational Examiners, passed the Iowa House unanimously and will proceed to the Senate.
The Iowa House passed Senate File 273 on a recorded vote after brief floor debate emphasizing child-protection goals.
Representative Warren moved the bill and described it as bipartisan. Representative Ramirez called the legislation ‘‘aimed at safeguarding our students from exploitative and predatory behavior’’ and urged support. The bill updates the statutory definition of grooming behavior and requires reporting to the Board of Educational Examiners for licensed school employees who engage in such conduct.
The House recorded 92 ayes, 0 no, and 8 absent; the bill passed by constitutional majority and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.