A bill for an act requiring school employees to be put on administrative leave in certain specified circumstances.(Formerly SF 366.)

Iowa Senate File 518 mandates that school districts and accredited nonpublic schools must immediately place an employee on administrative leave if: (a) the employee has a pending case before the Board of Educational Examiners related to child abuse with a finding of probable cause, or (b) the employee was found negligent in a criminal or civil court case while employed by the school, and the school is investigating the employee's actions. The employee must remain on administrative leave until the case or investigation is complete.

Supporters of SF 518 argue that the bill enhances student safety by ensuring that school employees under investigation for serious allegations are removed from their positions during the investigative process. This measure is seen as a proactive step to protect students and maintain trust in the educational system.

Critics of SF 518 express concerns that the bill could lead to premature administrative leave for employees based on allegations that have not yet been fully investigated or substantiated. They worry that this could result in reputational damage and potential career implications for educators who may ultimately be found innocent.