Some Iowa conservative legislators are still working to defend the liberties and rights of Iowans even during a so-called “disaster emergency.” While Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds didn’t leave her restrictions and orders in place as long as other governors during COVID, the “pandemic” and the response that followed showed just how much power an Iowa governor could exercise if they wished.
Republican Sen. Sandy Salmon filed a bill Thursday to reform those powers. She also was able to secure nine conservative cosponsors — Senators Doug Campbell, Jeff Taylor, Cherielynn Westrich, Jesse Green, Kevin Alons, Dennis Guth, Lynn Evans, Dave Rowley and Mark Lofgren. All 10 of these legislators deserve enormous credit for putting their names at the top of this bill.
The bill states a governor’s emergency proclamation should only last 60 days and only be able to be extended by the legislature. An extension by the legislature can be up for 60 days, but it would need to authorize any further extension, which would not exceed 60-day increments.
If the legislature isn’t in session, then the legislative council could extend the proclamation, but could only do so once. The legislature or legislative council also has the authority to line-item veto provisions of the proclamation.
More importantly, the bill ensures a proclamation cannot do certain things. The proclamation would not be allowed to:
*Infringe on a constitutionally protected rights
*Restrict rights, interests or activities in a manner that is not neutral or evenly applicable (therefore you cannot close some businesses while allowing others to remain open)
*Prohibit in-person interactions between family or pastor with a patient in a hospital or resident in a nursing home
*Authorize use of mobile, cellular or any other digital technologies to track or surveil persons without their consent
*Restrict the practice or scope of service of health care professional or hospital or clinic
*Require participation in a contact tracing program
*Require diagnostic tests, vaccinations, quarantine or treatment of healthy people. If sick, individuals cannot be required to take a vaccination or a treatment, but they can be required to be quarantined. The quarantine cannot last longer than the incubation period of the disease. Medical and religious exemptions would apply. Mandatory restrictions on freedom of movement and freedom of association would be prohibited unless a person is sick or a warrant is obtained.
Individuals would also be able to share evidence-based information and experiences on the HHS website. Additionally, medical and religious exemptions for vaccinations required for attendance at public schools during a disaster emergency would be restored as well.
The bill is Senate File 118. It was referred to the State Government Committee. A subcommittee for the bill has not yet been assigned or scheduled. State Sen. Ken Rozenboom is the chair of the State Government Committee.