Bill > HF560

This bill modifies existing Iowa law to strengthen parental rights by removing a previous restriction related to gender transition procedures for minors. Specifically, the bill amends Section 601.1, subsection 2 to emphasize that parents or guardians have a fundamental, constitutionally protected right to make decisions about their minor child's medical care, moral and religious upbringing, residence, education, and extracurricular activities, with any restrictions on these rights subject to "strict scrutiny" (a legal standard that requires the government to prove that a law serves a compelling state interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest). The bill completely repeals Section 147.164, which previously contained specific provisions about gender transition procedures for minors. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment and is retroactively applicable to March 22, 2023, meaning its provisions can be considered in legal proceedings dating back to that day. By removing the previous section and emphasizing broad parental decision-making rights, the bill appears designed to give parents more autonomy in making medical and personal decisions for their minor children.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF560