By attorneys Beth Grob, Emily Kolbe, Miriam Van Heukelem, and Jim Wainwright
On May 17, 2024, Governor Reynolds signed into law House File 2652, an act relating to school security. The law includes provisions related to school bonds issuances, use of SAVE funds, use of professional development funds, and school security equipment and infrastructure.
Bond Issuances
Under House File 2652, a school district cannot issue bonds for new construction or improvements to a building or site used primarily for interscholastic athletic contests or competitions “unless all of the school district’s attendance centers are in compliance with the provisions of the state building code, adopted on or after the effective date of this act, related to the construction of new attendance centers and the renovation of existing attendance centers that incorporate standards designed to increase the safety of schools and school infrastructure.”
Currently, Iowa’s state building code does not contain provisions specifically related to the safety of schools and school infrastructure. House File 2651 provides for creation of a task force that will make recommendations related to safety and security standards of schools and school infrastructure, including related to doors, windows, cameras, and locks. The task force will propose modifications to the state building code that will apply to the construction or renovation of school attendance centers and incorporate increased school safety and school infrastructure standards. The task force is required to submit its recommendation to the State Legislature no later than December 31, 2024.
This provision is effective for all competition athletic sites or building projects approved by a school board or approved by voters after July 1, 2024. Therefore, any bond project including a building or site used primarily for interscholastic athletic competition on the ballot this November will be subject to the increased safety requirements.
As a result of this change in the law, after July 1, 2024, any school district planning to issue board-approved or voter-approved debt for a project related to a building or site used primarily for interscholastic athletic contests or competitions must ensure it has complied with the increased safety standards set forth in the state building code before issuing such bonds.
Flexibility Account Transfers
House File 2652 allows a school district to transfer unexpended and unobligated professional development funds into the flexibility account to pay for trainings required for a school employee to carry a weapon at the school during school hours.
School Infrastructure
The law creates new definitions for what school infrastructure includes, and details requirements for different aspects of school infrastructure purchase, installation, and maintenance. A brief overview of the provisions includes:
- Mobile Panic Alert System: The law sets forth certain system requirements school districts must meet in order to purchase, install, and operate a mobile panic alert system.
- Purchase of Security Equipment: Requires school districts to install and maintain certain school infrastructure, including software or technology that meets all statutory requirements. School districts are required to maintain such equipment so that it “performs as expected for the operational life of the school infrastructure.” House File 2652 also contains specific requirements for school infrastructure software or innovative technology.
- School Safety Review: Requires school districts to complete a comprehensive review and evaluation of the school district’s ability to ensure the safety of students and employees, including responses to active shooter scenarios, natural disasters, and safety and security infrastructure, if the school district has not already completed such a review.
School districts must submit the results of the comprehensive review to various state and local law enforcement and state agencies. The review is confidential and is not a public record subject to disclosure under Iowa Code Chapter 22.
- Public Safety Answering Point: Each attendance center must have at least one handheld or console radio capable of accessing a public safety answering point.
- Grants for Infrastructure, Equipment, and Training: The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is directed to establish a grant program that permits school districts to pay for infrastructure, equipment, training, and stipends related to employees who become permitted to carry weapons on school property.
Security or School Resource Officer
Under House File 2652, school districts with at least 8,000 students are required to employ or retain the services of at least one private security officer or school resource officer for each attendance center attended by students in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12, unless a majority of the school board votes not to do so. The law also encourages, but does not require, school districts with less than 8,000 students to do the same.
Private school security officers employed or retained by a school district must participate in annual live scenario training and quarterly live firearms training approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Carry Permit Requirements
The law amends the requirements for school employees to be issued a permit to carry weapons on school property, including specifying the amount of training employees will be required to undergo. This change does not affect the requirement in Iowa Code section 724.4B that prohibits school employees from being armed, carrying, or transporting firearms on school grounds unless specifically authorized by the school district.
This article is only a summary of House File 2652. If you have questions about the impact of the law or want advice generally on this topic, please contact an attorney in the Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.’s Education Law Practice Area or by visiting the Firm's website at www.ahlerslaw.com.
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