Iowa House Republicans advanced legislation out of committee on Thursday that would significantly reform the state’s emergency powers laws, placing new limits on executive authority while strengthening protections for constitutional rights during declared disasters and public health emergencies.
House Study Bill 726 shortens the duration of a governor’s disaster emergency proclamation from 30 days to 15 days unless extended by the legislature. It also prohibits the governor from dictating measures that unduly interfere with religious institutions or impede an individual’s practice of religion.
Democrat Rep. Ross Wilburn voiced opposition to the proposal, arguing that reducing emergency declarations from 30 days to 15 days is “too short.” Wilburn suggested the change could hinder the state’s ability to respond effectively during extended emergencies.
Republican State Rep. Sam Fett defended the bill, saying it strengthens constitutional liberties while preserving essential public health tools.
The bill requires legislative approval for extensions beyond 15 days, ensuring that prolonged emergency powers receive direct oversight from elected lawmakers rather than remaining solely within executive control.
Beyond duration limits, the legislation also:
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Prohibits emergency orders that infringe on fundamental constitutional rights unless narrowly tailored and supported by a compelling state interest.
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Bars mandatory closures of lawful private businesses.
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Prevents unilateral changes to election laws without prior legislative approval.
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Protects in-person religious interactions.
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Converts the state’s authority to mandate vaccines, testing or medical treatment into recommendations, while still allowing isolation of infected individuals under defined limits.
The proposal also broadens Iowa’s religious exemption language for immunizations by allowing exemptions based on sincerely held religious beliefs, rather than limiting them to recognized denominations, and ensures such exemptions remain valid even during declared emergencies.
The legislation is now eligible for full House consideration as part of a broader Republican effort to recalibrate executive authority and reinforce legislative oversight in Iowa’s emergency governance framework.
Way to go House Judiciary Committee! My family moved from Maine to Iowa after COVID and Iowa’s better response to COVID was a huge part of that decision – but this bill is needed to make sure that ANY governor we have in the future does not violate Constitutional Rights, especially if that Governor’s last name is Sand!