HF 2523: Establishing the right of a parent or guardian of a minor child to consent to and authorize certain medical services over the minor child’s objection

What it does

Under current law, if a minor refuses to receive treatment or rehabilitation services (SUD treatment) for the child’s substance use disorder, or refuses observation, diagnosis, care, or treatment (mental health treatment) for the child’s mental health disorder, the child’s parents, or any other interested person, need to obtain a court order to have the child committed for SUD treatment or mental health treatment. This bill authorizes a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to have the child committed over the objections of the child for SUD treatment, mental health treatment, or both.

Senate subcommittee · named March 3, 2026

• Sen. Kevin Alons (R) · kevin.alons@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Molly Donahue (D) · molly.donahue@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Lynn Evans (R) · lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 1 against

For: Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Advocacy

Against: Bitches Get Stuff Done

In plain words

1. February 16, 2026Filed in the House
2. February 25, 2026Passed the House, 70–21
3. February 25, 2026Arrived in the Senate
4. March 3, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Alons, Donahue and Evans
5. March 5, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. March 19, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
7. April 6, 2026Passed the Senate, 47–0
8. April 14, 2026Passed the House, 87–6
9. April 21, 2026Passed the Senate, 44–0
10. April 30, 2026Sent to the Governor
11. April 30, 2026Signed into law