Iowa House Bill HF35

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

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

Summary

HF 35 would require Iowa postsecondary schools that offer degree programs with required clinical rotations to help enrolled students find a clinical placement where the student can receive an exemption from any COVID-19 vaccination requirement imposed by the placement site. The bill applies only when a student requests such a placement, and it is aimed at students in programs that include hands-on clinical education, such as health care-related fields. The bill also creates a financial enforcement mechanism. If a postsecondary school does not comply with the placement requirement, it would lose eligibility for the Iowa tuition grant program, which provides tuition assistance to Iowa residents attending eligible institutions. The bill defines “clinical rotation” for purposes of the statute as the educational experience a health care student receives while observing and working with a qualified health care professional to complete a degree program.

Impact

HF 35 would amend Iowa Code section 139A.8B to impose a new obligation on postsecondary schools with clinical-rotation degree programs to secure an exemption-friendly clinical placement for requesting students. It would also tie compliance to eligibility for the Iowa tuition grant program under section 256.191, potentially affecting institutional participation in state financial aid if schools do not accommodate the exemption requirement. The bill would directly affect colleges, universities, health care training programs, clinical placement sites, and students seeking COVID-19 vaccine exemptions during required rotations.

Sentiment

The available legislative context suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill at the early stage, as the subcommittee recommended passage. No recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts are provided, so there is no detailed public record here of opposition or debate. Based on the bill’s introduction and subcommittee action, the measure appears to have had at least some support among its sponsors and subcommittee members.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between student exemption rights and the vaccination policies of clinical placement sites, especially in health care settings where vaccine requirements may be tied to patient safety or institutional policy. Another likely issue is the use of the Iowa tuition grant program as leverage against schools that do not comply, which could be viewed as a strong enforcement tool. Supporters would likely emphasize access and religious or personal exemption accommodation, while critics may argue the bill interferes with clinical site autonomy and public health standards.