Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2047

Introduced
1/16/24  
Introduced
1/16/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to vaccination status and disability for purposes of the state civil rights law.

Impact

The passing of HF2047 would alter state laws concerning discrimination protections by expanding the scope of what constitutes a disability. By recognizing vaccination status as a factor, the legislation aims to provide a protective layer for those choosing not to be vaccinated, thus promoting their civil rights. This could have broader implications for how businesses and institutions in Iowa handle policies related to health and safety, potentially leading to a reassessment of current practices around workplace and service access in the face of public health initiatives.

Summary

House File 2047 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the definition of disability within the Iowa civil rights laws. Specifically, the bill proposes that a person's vaccination status against diseases be recognized as a condition of disability. This inclusion is significant as it directly impacts how individuals who are unvaccinated or vaccinated—particularly in contexts relating to public health—are treated under the civil rights framework in Iowa. The change would mean that individuals could claim protections against discrimination based on their vaccination status, alongside existing considerations for disabilities related to serious health conditions.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that such a definition could complicate public health strategies aimed at managing contagious diseases. Concerns could be raised about potential misuse of the protections afforded by this bill, where individuals might exert their rights under the guise of vaccination status as a disability. Furthermore, debates may center around whether it is appropriate to equate vaccination status with disability, as well as the possible impacts on vaccines' role in protecting community health at large.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2082

A bill for an act relating to gender identity and disability under the Iowa civil rights Act.

IA HF369

A bill for an act relating to employer liability for adverse effects resulting from mandated COVID-19 vaccinations.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF583

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.(Formerly HSB 242.)

IA HSB242

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory.(See HF 583.)

IA HF166

A bill for an act relating to vaccines, including modifying provisions related to a minor's legal capacity to give consent to the provision of vaccines and provisions related to the instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools related to the human papilloma virus.

IA SB1580

DCS; parents' rights; vaccinations

IA SF418

A bill for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa civil rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory. Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.