DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Republicans are seeking exemptions for religious institutions from a new law that adds oversight to boarding schools in Iowa.
The Senate Education Committee voted 9-5 Wednesday along party lines for the bill, which is now available for debate in the Senate.
The Legislature passed a law last year raising required standards at private children’s residential facilities in response to abuse allegations at a Keokuk boarding school that had little state oversight.
The bill would exempt a “bona fide religious institution” from school accreditation. Iowa law doesn’t define such institutions.
Democrats say the bill diminishes last year’s law. GOP Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink says the bill would ensure a school in his district that teaches struggling students wouldn’t be hurt by the accreditation standards. He says the bill doesn’t exempt state inspections.
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