HF 2315 (LSB 6040YH (2) 83)

HOUSE FILE 2315

BY  SORENSON

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to compliance with state physical education and health course standards by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.11, subsection 6, paragraph a, Code Supplement 2009, is amended to read as follows:
   a.  A pupil is not required to enroll in either physical education or health courses, or meet the requirements of paragraph “b” or “c”, if the pupil’s parent or guardian files a written statement with the school principal that the course or activity conflicts with the pupil’s religious belief beliefs. Upon written request, the board of directors of each school district shall make all textbooks, pamphlets, teaching aids, and videos used for school district physical education or health courses or related activities available for inspection at reasonable times by a student, or the parent or guardian of a student, enrolled in the school district at least three months prior to the start of the school calendar. 
    Sec. 2.  Section 256.11, subsection 6, Code Supplement 2009, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  d.  Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a nonpublic school is not required to teach physical education or health courses or provide related activities if the nonpublic school submits a written statement to the state board that such a course or activity conflicts with the religious beliefs under which the nonpublic school exists or is affiliated.
EXPLANATION
   This bill exempts a nonpublic school from the physical education and health activities and teaching requirements under the state educational standards if the nonpublic school submits a written statement to the state board of education that such a course or activity conflicts with the religious beliefs under which the nonpublic school exists or is affiliated. The bill also requires school districts upon written request, at reasonable times, and at least three months prior to the start of the school calendar, to make available for inspection by a student or parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the district, all textbooks, pamphlets, teacher aids, and videos used for the school district’s physical education or health courses or related activities.