HF 819: Relating to fundamental parental rights

What it does

This bill establishes fundamental rights of parents relating to the upbringing, rearing, associations, care, education, custody, and control of a parent’s child with which state action shall not infringe or interfere without meeting the strict scrutiny level of judicial review. The bill provides that divorce or marital status shall not diminish the fundamental right, render a parent unfit, or establish a compelling state interest. A parent is presumed to be a fit parent, and the presumption may be overcome only by clear and convincing evidence.

Senate subcommittee · named March 29, 2021

• Sen. Brad Zaun (R)
• Sen. Tony Bisignano (D) · tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jeff Reichman (R) · jeff.reichman@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 13 for, 0 against

For: Families United Action Network (FUAN); Homeschool Iowa; Informed Choice Iowa; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Catholic Conference; Parental Rights.Org; Personal Interest-Martin Connell; Personal Interest-Matthew Hickok; Personal Interest-Ryan Rupe; Personal Interest-Stacey Schnuckel; Phyllis Schlafly Eagles of Iowa; The Family Leader; and 1 more

In plain words

1. March 11, 2021Filed in the House
2. March 25, 2021Passed the House
3. March 29, 2021Arrived in the Senate
4. March 29, 2021Senate subcommittee named: Zaun, Bisignano and Reichman
5. March 30, 2021Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
6. April 1, 2021Approved by the Senate committee