Representative Greg Heartsill tells KNIA/KRLS News the House has passed legislation that he hopes will prevent incidents of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Keokuk’s Midwest Academy, earlier this year.

Midwest Academy was a private alternative boarding school shut down for multiple incidences of child abuse and neglect. The investigations of abuse at the school are on-going. Heartsill is Vice Chair of the Government Oversight Committee and assisted in passing legislation that raises the bar for criteria private schools of this type need to meet in order to maintain accreditation. Heartsill says he is hopeful that transparency and oversight of the schools with prevent abuse. The bill requires more reporting by schools to the Department of Education and Department of Human Services.