A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor’s legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection.(See SF 304.)
Summary
Senate File 120 amends Iowa law governing a minor’s ability to consent to medical care for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Under current law, minors may consent on their own to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of an STD or STI. The bill creates a specific exception for vaccinations related to sexually transmitted diseases or infections, meaning a minor would no longer have independent legal authority to consent to that type of vaccination.
The bill preserves the existing rule that minors can consent to other STD/STI-related medical care or services, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, when provided by or under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. It also keeps the existing protections that such consent cannot later be withdrawn because of minority and that no parent, guardian, spouse, or custodian’s consent is required for the covered services.
Impact
The bill narrows Iowa Code section 139A.35 by carving out STD/STI vaccinations from the category of medical services a minor may independently consent to receive. As a result, health care providers, clinics, and hospitals would need to treat those vaccinations differently from other STD/STI-related care, likely requiring consent from a parent, guardian, or other legally authorized adult. The bill does not change minors’ authority to consent to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases or infections generally.
Sentiment
The available legislative record shows limited debate and no recorded votes or committee transcript discussion in the materials provided. The bill was reported out of committee and renumbered as SF 304, which suggests at least some procedural support. Overall, the measure appears to have been handled as a targeted technical change rather than a broadly contested policy overhaul.
Contention
The main point of contention is the new exception for vaccinations related to sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Supporters appear to favor preserving minors’ access to most STD/STI care while limiting independent consent for vaccination specifically, but the record provided does not include stated reasons. Potential concerns for opponents would center on reduced access to preventive care for minors and the added role of parents or guardians in decisions about vaccination. No specific objections or named opponents are reflected in the supplied transcripts or votes.
Similar To
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor’s legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection.(See HF 384.)
Similar To
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor’s legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection.(Formerly HF 104.)
Similar To
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor’s legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection. (Formerly SF 120.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor's legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection.(See HF 384.)
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor's legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection.(Formerly HF 104.)
A bill for an act providing an exception to a minor's legal capacity to consent to the provision of medical care or services for a sexually transmitted disease or infection. (Formerly SF 120.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.
Provides treatment for sexually transmitted diseases to minors without a parent's or guardian's consent; provides definition for health care practitioner.