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IA HF280

IA HF280
A bill for an act relating to the regulation of places and practices of worship by the governor.


summary

Introduced
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits the governor from closing, placing a mandate on, or otherwise regulating a place or practice of worship for any reason, including through the proclamation of a disaster emergency or public health disaster. The bill defines “place of worship” as a building in which an active congregation is devoted to worship.

AI Summary

This bill prevents the governor of Iowa from closing, mandating restrictions on, or regulating places of worship under any circumstances, even during disaster emergencies or public health crises. Specifically, the bill defines a "place of worship" as a building housing an active congregation dedicated to religious practices, and it prohibits the governor from imposing any limitations or regulations on these spaces through emergency proclamations, such as those related to disaster emergencies under chapter 29C or public health disasters under section 135.144. The legislation appears to be a response to potential government restrictions on religious gatherings, particularly in the context of events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and aims to protect religious congregations' ability to conduct worship services without governmental interference, regardless of the nature of the emergency situation.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (19)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Judiciary. H.J. 273. (on 02/10/2025)

bill text


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