Relating to the regulation of places and practices of worship by the governor

Sponsored by Rep. Brett Barker (R), Rep. Chad Behn (R), Rep. David L. Blom (R), Rep. Brooke Boden (R), Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R), Rep. Zach Dieken (R), Rep. Samantha Fett (R), Rep. Dean Fisher (R), Rep. Dan Gehlbach (R), Rep. Thomas Gerhold (R), Rep. Cindy Golding (R), Rep. Helena Hayes (R), Rep. Bob Henderson (R), Rep. Craig P. Johnson (R), Rep. Wendy Larson (R), Rep. Judd Lawler (R), Rep. Joshua Meggers (R), Rep. Brent Siegrist (R), Rep. Travis M. Sitzmann (R), Rep. Jennifer J. Smith (R), Rep. Henry Stone (R), Rep. Mark I. Thompson (R), Rep. Charley Thomson (R), Rep. Blaine C. Watkins (R), Rep. Ryan Weldon (R), Rep. Sam Wengryn (R), Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R), Rep. Craig Steven Williams (R), Rep. John H. Wills (R), Rep. Derek Wulf (R)

Topics:Courts & civil law

Same legislation: HF 2694

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 27, 2026
Done: House committeeFebruary 19, 2026
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 10, 202667–23
Done: Senate committeeMarch 23, 2026
Done: Passes the SenateApril 29, 202630–15
Done: To the GovernorMay 13, 2026
Done: Signed into lawJune 2, 2026

Became HF 2694 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2694 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

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.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendments S-5230, S-5123, H-8186; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed

House subcommittee

Named January 27, 2026. On February 12, 2026 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

5 written public comments to its subcommittee: March 17, 2026 (3), February 12, 2026 (2) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§7.19

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Lobbying

8 for · 2 against · 6 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Tried before

HF 2532Cleared committee90th GA HF 2097Renumbered90th GA

91st General Assembly

HF 2145Renumbered HF 2694Became lawfrom HF 2145

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.

HF 2097 Relating to the regulation of places and practices of worship by the governor
90th General Assembly · Renumbered as HF 2532 · same title
Cleared committee
HF 2532 Relating to the regulation of places and practices of worship by the governor
90th General Assembly · Approved by committee · same title
Cleared committee

Similar bills this General Assembly

HF 280 Relating to the regulation of places and practices of worship by the governor
91st General Assembly · In committee
Nearly identical

Matched by the wording of each bill’s explanation, or an identical title. Companion bills and renumbered versions of this bill aren’t listed; they’re the same bill.