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(Des Moines, IA) -- A bill that would change the definition of bullying in Iowa Code is heading to the governor's desk. House File 865 would require repeated offenses and would provide that bullying is not limited to actions based on a perceived trait. Under current law, there's a list of 17 specific traits and this bill would strike that verbiage. Supporters say the changes will help every student be protected by school board policy. State Sen Lynn Evans (R-Aurelia) is one of them.
"I contest no student should ever be bullied in any school," Evans said. "Right now, there's a misinterpretation being applied in some school districts where if you don't meet those laundry listed identities currently in Iowa Code, they're passing it off as just two kids who are having a disagreement."
The bill passed the Iowa Senate along party lines on Tuesday. Opponents say it makes it harder to crack down on bullying behavior. That includes State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D-Waukee).
"It is a life and death matter," Trone Garriott says. "And what this legislation does is it throws out guidelines. It makes it harder for families to bring forth cases of bullying and get responses."
Supporters maintained it would do the opposite. State Sen. Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville) managed the bill on the Senate floor.
"This makes it clear that there is a fair and consistent standard for everyone," Salmon says. "And that everyone is to receive the same level of protection."
The bill now heads to the Governor Kim Reynolds' desk for final approval.