A bill for an act relating to the powers and duties applicable to state of disaster emergencies and public health disasters, including a prohibition on regulating religious institutions and practices.

This Iowa bill (HSB 726) limits a governor’s emergency powers during declared disasters by prohibiting restrictions on religious institutions and practices. Specifically, it prevents governors from issuing disaster proclamations that unduly interfere with religious gatherings, require religious institutions to close, or block in-person religious activities (like clergy visiting hospital patients). The bill also bars emergency measures that infringe on constitutional rights without strict justification, force lawful businesses to shut down, or restrict health professionals from practicing within their licenses. These provisions apply only to emergency orders issued under Iowa’s disaster response laws, ensuring religious activities remain protected during public health or natural disaster emergencies.