Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2003

Introduced
1/12/26  

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.

Impact

If enacted, SF2003 would significantly alter the landscape of sexual education and related topics in Iowa schools by limiting educators' ability to discuss gender and sexual orientation comprehensively. Supporters of the bill argue that it protects children from exposure to controversial topics that they believe should not be taught at school, maintaining that such instruction should remain within the scope of family discussions. Critics, however, express concern that the bill could hinder open discussions about important social issues, affecting the inclusivity and diversity of educational content that students receive.

Summary

Senate File 2003, introduced by Senator Green, aims to restrict educational content concerning gender theory and sexual orientation in Iowa schools. Specifically, the bill prohibits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any curriculum, program, or instruction related to gender theory or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve. This legislation extends the existing prohibition that currently applies to younger students in kindergarten through grade six, seeking to create a more uniformly restrictive educational environment across all grades.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators and community members, positioning advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive education against those who prioritize parental control over educational content. Detractors argue that such prohibitions not only infringe upon students' rights to access comprehensive education but also perpetuate stigma against LGBTQ+ identities. Proponents assert that the legislation aligns with traditional values and the rights of parents to guide their children's understanding of sensitive topics.

Companion Bills

IA HF2121

Similar To A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 2338.)

IA HF2338

Similar To A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HF 2121.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2338

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HF 2121.)

IA HF2121

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 2338.)

IA HSB84

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve.

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to provide success-sequence education in grades seven through twelve.

IA SSB1028

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See SF 175.)

IA SF175

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades five through twelve. (Formerly SSB 1028.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF113

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA HSB278

A bill for an act relating to physical education requirements for students enrolled in grades seven through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA HF76

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.

IA HF2392

A bill for an act implementing requirements related to the health instruction and health education instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in grades one through twelve.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2069

Instructional time models; posting requirements

AZ HB4038

Public schools; first day; restriction

MI HB4687

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

MI SB0453

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

TX HB100

Relating to the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools.

CA AB1454

Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials.