Blom

House passes legislation to protect teachers and students

On Tuesday, March 9th, the House passed a bipartisan bill that addresses classroom behavior, protects teachers, and supports students with special needs. This bill started it’s journey in the legislature years ago.

In 2020, the Legislature passed legislation establishing therapeutic classrooms. The first grants for this program were awarded in the 2021-2022 school year. The definition of “Therapeutic classroom” is a classroom designed for the purpose of providing support for any student, with or without an Individualized Education Program (IEP), whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the current educational environment, with or without supports, until the student is able to successfully return to the student’s current education environment, with or without supports, including but not limited to the general education classroom. These therapeutic classrooms are not required to be in all schools; however, a school district is required to ensure therapeutic services are available, in the school district or otherwise, to students who need those services to facilitate and benefit their learning.

In 2023, House Republicans consulted with teachers resulting in House File 604. HF 604 allowed teachers to file a complaint with the ombudsman’s office if there is an instance of violence in the classroom which they feel has not been appropriately addressed by administration. HF 604 also requires reporting of any threat of violence or incidence of violence that results in injury or property damage, as well as any assault by a student. Teachers may notify the parents of the student who made the threat or caused the incident and the parents of the student that was threatened or harmed. The principal must notify, within 24 hours of the teachers report the parents of the student who made the threat or caused the incident and the parents of the student to whom the threat was made or the violence occurred. Furthermore, the Department of Education was required to create model policies at different grade levels which were based on specific criteria.

HF 2538, which was approved this week, further strengthening protections for both teachers and students, demonstrates the commitment of the House to making Iowa schools safer and to reducing disruptions among students.

Many openings for Iowa workers

For Iowans looking for work, there are many openings in the state, with much of them being in Iowa’s healthcare sector. As the population of Iowa continues to be older on average, these jobs will continue to become more and more valuable, setting up Iowans for lucrative and secure careers in the future. The House has been working to increase the amount of healthcare workers in this state, including passing bills which incentivize universities to enroll Iowans in healthcare degree programs over out of state students. With these open job numbers and movement in the House, Iowa’s economic future continues to look productive.

Officially filing for re-election

On March 12, I officially filed for Re-Election to represent Marshall County.

Don’t forget to use your voice and vote in the 2026 primaries!

As always, thank you for the honor to serve you in the Iowa House. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or issues. I’d love to have visitors, so don’t hesitate to come to the Capitol and say hi.

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David Blom, a Republican from Marshalltonw, represents District 52 in the Iowa House.