SF 2062 (LSB 5755XS (2) 85)

SENATE FILE 2062

BY  JOHNSON

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to dropout prevention programs by modifying certain definitions, modifying the purposes for which dropout prevention funding may be used, and including applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 257.39, subsection 2, Code 2014, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  f.  Children toward whom harassment or bullying, as defined in section 280.28, is directed.
    Sec. 2.  Section 257.41, subsection 2, Code 2014, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  e.  Harassment and bullying prevention programs, training, and initiatives.
    Sec. 3.  APPLICABILITY.  This Act applies to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2015.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to dropout prevention programs by modifying certain definitions and modifying the purposes for which dropout prevention funding may be used.
   Under current law, school districts may request to use a modified supplemental amount for programs for returning dropouts and dropout prevention. The budget of an approved program for returning dropouts and dropout prevention for a school district, after subtracting funds received from other sources for that purpose, shall be funded annually on a basis of one-fourth or more from the district cost of the school district and up to three-fourths by an increase in supplemental state aid. Code section 257.39(2) defines “potential dropouts” as resident pupils who are enrolled in a public or nonpublic school who demonstrate poor school adjustment as indicated by two or more specified characteristics. The bill adds children toward whom harassment or bullying is directed to that list of specified characteristics.
   Code section 257.41 specifies the appropriate uses of the returning dropout and dropout prevention program funding provided to school districts for an approved dropout prevention program. The bill adds harassment and bullying prevention programs, training, and initiatives to the list of appropriate uses.
   The bill applies to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2015.