HF 261 (LSB 2323YH (1) 87)

HOUSE FILE 261

BY  MASCHER

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the elimination of the exemption from immunization of a person related to conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 139A.8, subsection 4, Code 2017, is amended to read as follows:
   4.  a.  Immunization is not required for a person’s enrollment in any elementary or secondary school or licensed child care center if either of the following applies:
   (1)  The the applicant, or if the applicant is a minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian, submits to the admitting official a statement signed by a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is licensed by the board of medicine, board of nursing, or board of physician assistants that the immunizations required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the applicant or any member of the applicant’s family.
   (2)  The applicant, or if the applicant is a minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian, submits an affidavit signed by the applicant, or if the applicant is a minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian, stating that the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination of which the applicant is an adherent or member.
   b.  The exemptions exemption under this subsection do does not apply in times of emergency or epidemic as determined by the state board of health and as declared by the director of public health.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill eliminates the exemption from required immunization for a person’s enrollment in any elementary or secondary school or licensed child care center relating to conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination of which the applicant is an adherent or member.