IowaIowa law defines grooming as intent to exploit students
The signed Iowa law defines grooming behavior as a pattern meant to entice or entrap a student so the person engaging in it can take advantage of that student.
What it does
The signed law defines grooming behavior as a pattern meant to entice or entrap a student so the person engaging in it can take advantage of that student.
Argument forA definition tied to intent and a person's benefit could help officials identify patterns meant to take advantage of a student.
Argument againstThe broad phrase “any pattern of behavior” could leave school employees unsure which conduct counts, even though the definition considers all relevant circumstances and intent.
More detail
Iowa law defines grooming behavior involving students. The definition covers a pattern of behavior toward one or more students, considered in light of all relevant circumstances. The pattern must be intended to entice or entrap a student so the person engaging in it can take advantage of that student. The definition says the behavior may include engaging in a sex act with the student.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 2Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.Became Law
- May 2Reported correctly enrolled, signed by President and Speaker, and sent to Governor.To Governor
- Apr 7Message from House.
- Apr 6Immediate message.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 6Passed House, yeas 92, nays 0.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Mar 26Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
- Mar 19Placed on calendar.
- Mar 19Committee vote: Yeas, 23. Nays, 0.
- Mar 19Committee report, recommending passage.Minor
- Mar 18Subcommittee recommends passage.Minor
- Mar 17Subcommittee Meeting: 03/18/2026 12:30PM House Lounge.
- Mar 17Subcommittee: Boden, Fett and Ramirez.
- 2025
- May 15Rereferred to Education.
- Apr 3Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
- Mar 19Read first time, passed on file.Minor
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 19Message from Senate.
- Mar 19Immediate message.
- Mar 19Passed Senate, yeas 45, nays 2.Passed 1st Chamber
- Feb 12Committee report, approving bill.Minor
- Feb 12Introduced, placed on calendar.Introduced
Education