DES MOINES, Iowa – The alleged abuse of an Urbandale student could lead to a new state law.

Paige Petek says school staff stood by and watched when her special-needs son Keaton began banging his head on the floor in May of 2023 and that his special ed teacher used her foot to push him down the hall.

Petek spoke at a House subcommittee hearing Monday, telling members she attempted to file a report with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

“After reviewing video footage of the incident, we reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services only to be told the case fell outside their jurisdiction,” Petek said.

That could change under House File 186. The bill expands the definition of caregiver to include teachers and school employees. If approved, HHS would be allowed to place school staff on leave while investigating claims of abuse.

“When we are not present to fulfill these responsibilities school staff takes on the primary role as his caretaker. We expect them to handle responsibility with the same dedication we provide at home,” said Petek.

Members of the House subcommittee agreed, advancing the bill to the full committee.