Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2288

Introduced
2/5/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to vaccination exemptions for certain students in clinical rotations and the qualification of postsecondary schools as eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants.

Summary

HF 2288 would require Iowa postsecondary schools that offer degree programs with required clinical rotations to help students find a placement where the student is allowed to complete the rotation without meeting the placement site’s vaccination requirements, if the student requests it. The bill applies to clinical rotations in medical, nursing, and other health care-related programs, and it defines both “clinical rotation” and “facility” for that purpose. The bill also ties compliance to state financial aid eligibility. A postsecondary school that does not provide the required exemption-friendly placement would not qualify as an eligible institution for Iowa tuition grants. In addition, the bill amends the statutory definition of “eligible institution” in the tuition grant law to reflect this new condition.

Impact

HF 2288 would add a new section to Iowa Code chapter 139A governing vaccination requirements for clinical rotations and would amend Iowa Code section 256.183, which defines eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants. Its practical effect would be to pressure participating postsecondary schools to secure clinical placements that waive vaccination requirements for students who request them, or risk losing access to tuition grant eligibility for their students. The bill would affect colleges and universities offering health care-related programs, clinical placement sites, and students seeking Iowa tuition grant assistance.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is available with the bill materials provided, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge sentiment. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a student-access and exemption accommodation bill, but it also uses state tuition grant eligibility as an enforcement mechanism, suggesting the proposal may have been intended to address concerns about vaccination mandates in clinical training settings.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be the balance between student exemption rights and the vaccination policies of clinical placement sites, which are often set to protect patients and comply with health-care facility requirements. Supporters would likely emphasize student choice, access to required training, and avoiding barriers to degree completion. Opponents may argue that requiring schools to find exemption-compatible placements could interfere with clinical site autonomy, complicate health and safety standards, and create administrative burdens for schools and placement partners.

Companion Bills

IA SF2095

Similar To A bill for an act relating to vaccination exemptions for certain students in clinical rotations and the qualification of postsecondary schools as eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants.(See SF 2424.)

IA SF2424

Similar To A bill for an act relating to vaccination exemptions for certain students in clinical rotations and the qualification of postsecondary schools as eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly SF 2095.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2095

A bill for an act relating to vaccination exemptions for certain students in clinical rotations and the qualification of postsecondary schools as eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants.(See SF 2424.)

IA SF2424

A bill for an act relating to vaccination exemptions for certain students in clinical rotations and the qualification of postsecondary schools as eligible institutions for Iowa tuition grants, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly SF 2095.)

IA HF35

A bill for an act relating to postsecondary schools and COVID-19 vaccine exemptions for clinical students.

IA HF2250

A bill for an act authorizing resident students who are admitted to and in attendance in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program to participate in the Iowa tuition grants program.(Formerly HF 2012.)

IA HF2012

A bill for an act authorizing resident students who are admitted to and in attendance in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program to participate in the Iowa tuition grants program.(See HF 2250.)

IA HB265

A BILL to amend and reenact § 23.1-601 of the Code of Virginia, relating to grants for certain students at public institutions of higher education; qualifications.

IA HB265

Students, certain; grants at public institutions of higher education, qualifications.

IA HF301

A bill for an act requiring the university of Iowa hospitals and clinics to give priority to certain Iowa residents in awarding certain residencies and fellowships and to include rural rotations in certain residencies and fellowships.(Formerly HF 147.)

IA HB1223

Provide for conscience exemptions from certain vaccinations.

IA LD1255

An Act to Ensure In-state Tuition for Postsecondary Students Who Are Registered to Vote in the State and to Amend Eligibility Requirements for the Free Community College Tuition Program

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