HSB 314: Establishing a medical release program for certain persons committed to the custody of the department of corrections

What it does

This bill establishes a medical release program for certain persons committed to the custody of the department of corrections (department). The bill provides that a person committed to the custody of the director of the department may be eligible for medical release if a licensed medical professional diagnoses the person with a terminal illness with a prognosis of death within one year or with a serious medical condition, or determines that the person is physically or mentally incapacitated. The bill provides that the department may identify a person eligible for medical release and file a petition requesting a medical review by the board of parole (board).

House subcommittee · named January 12, 2026

• Rep. Hans C. Wilz (R) · hans.wilz@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dan Gehlbach (R) · dan.gehlbach@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Ross Wilburn (D) · ross.wilburn@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 10 for, 2 against

For: AFSCME Council 61; Americans For Prosperity; FAMM; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Advocacy; Prison Fellowship Ministries; The Family Leader Foundation

Against: Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association

In plain words

1. March 6, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. March 6, 2025House subcommittee named: Nordman, Barker and Wessel-Kroeschell
3. January 12, 2026House subcommittee named: Wilz, H., Gehlbach and Wilburn
4. February 3, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
5. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
6. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 20–0