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(Des Moines, IA) -- Bills that would require schools to show a video of fetal development are resurfacing at the Iowa State Capitol. House Study Bill 34 and Senate Study Bill 1028 would require schools to show a video of at least three minutes on the subject. A similar bill was approved by the House last year. Thursday, a senate education subcommittee passed their version through by a 2-1 vote.
The one senator who objected was Sarah Trone Garriott (D-Waukee). She mentioned the use of AI as well as concerns with the language.
"If the intention of this legislation is about truth, why on earth would we strike references to the leading experts on pregnancy and human development?" Trone Garriott says. "It seems to indicate plans and oversight in favor of some other entities who are not the recognized experts."
Another point of contention is an organization referenced in last year's bills called "Meet Baby Olivia" with specific qualms against certain points made in their video. But supporters at Thursday's meeting pointed out this year's version does not name a specific video, and they claim it's normal in legislation to not name specific entities.
Sen. Jeff Taylor (R-Sioux Center) is one of the supporters.
"I don't like having that level of specificity written into code," Taylor says. "The senate version...opens it up to a variety of different options that schools have. I think that's connected with the removal of the specific language talking about the experts in the field...that is typical around here in the legislature."
The bill is sent back to the Senate Education Committee for further discussion. No timeline has been announced for the House version.