Schools left in limbo as Iowa's new book law looms

• Penalizations start Jan. 1, 2024.

State of play: The new law requires the removal of books that "depict" or "describe" sex acts.

• It was part of the governor's sweeping education reform bill passed this spring to protect "parental rights."

Leaders from the Iowa Library Association sent a list of questions to the head of the Iowa Department of Education asking for clarification, such as how the state defines "age-appropriate materials" and what happens if materials are age-appropriate for one student, but not for another, according to The Gazette.

What they're saying: The Iowa Department of Education isn't planning on issuing guidance, state spokesperson Heather Doe told Axios.

• School officials should consult with their legal counsel instead, Doe said.

The intrigue: Des Moines Public Schools is "patiently waiting" to see if guidance comes out from the state before removing books, interim superintendent Matt Smith tells Axios.