DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A special legislative committee has formed after Iowa lawmakers failed to reach agreement on a bill that would add state oversight to boarding schools in the state.
Members of the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-majority Senate met Thursday as part of a new committee that will discuss a bill that would add state compliance rules for private residential facilities for children.
Both chambers passed legislation this session amid an investigation into abuse allegations at a now-closed boarding school in Keokuk. The school had little state oversight.
Lawmakers disagree over language in the House bill that would exempt religious facilities from a more rigid certification process regarding their educational curriculum. Republicans expressed concern at state authority over religious curriculum. Some Democrats say the exemption could create an oversight loophole.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.