Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF299

Introduced
2/10/25  
Engrossed
3/10/25  
Enrolled
5/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to immunization exemptions. (Formerly HF 34.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

If enacted, HF299 will directly impact the communication protocols of educational and childcare institutions, ensuring that they provide parents with comprehensive information about vaccination exemptions. This means that every public communication about immunizations will now include details on how to exempt a child from immunization requirements. By providing these details, the bill aims to enhance parental awareness and potentially support parental choice in health-related decisions for their children.

Summary

House File 299 is a legislative proposal that focuses on the provision of information regarding immunization exemptions within Iowa's school and child care systems. The bill mandates that all schools, from elementary to licensed child care centers, must inform parents or guardians about exemptions to immunization requirements, as well as the conditions for obtaining them. This requirement aligns with the state’s efforts to maintain public health while also recognizing individual rights related to vaccinations. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025, emphasizing its future implementation in educational institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF299 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill promotes transparency and respects parental rights by ensuring that families have necessary information about immunization exemptions. Detractors, however, may express concerns about the implications of increased exemptions on community health, potentially leading to lower immunization rates and the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. The debate reflects broader tensions between public health policies and individual liberties.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HF299 arise around the balance between public health initiatives and parental choice. Opponents of the bill might argue that making exemption information readily available could encourage parents to opt out of vaccination, which could have adverse effects on herd immunity within communities. Conversely, supporters emphasize the importance of informed decision-making for parents and the need for schools to provide full disclosure on health policies, potentially positioning the bill as a measure supporting individual rights in health decisions.

Companion Bills

IA SF6

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to immunization exemptions.

IA HF34

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to immunization exemptions.(See HF 299.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2196

A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to school immunization exemptions.(Formerly SF 2003.)

IA HF2045

A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to school immunization exemptions.

IA SF2003

A bill for an act relating to the provision of information relating to school immunization exemptions.(See SF 2196.)

IA HF652

A bill for an act relating to the practice of barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences and providing transition provisions. (Formerly HSB 211.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF421

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 186.) Effective date: Enactment, 05/11/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 12/01/2022.

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF265

A bill for an act relating to midwife licensure, providing for fees, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 80.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF464

A bill for an act relating to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunizations required under competent private instruction.(Formerly HF 283; See HF 2280.)

IA HF2280

A bill for an act relating to private instruction, including modifying provisions related to independent private instruction and the reports and evidence of immunizations required under competent private instruction.(Formerly HF 464, HF 283.)

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