Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the distribution of gene-based vaccines and providing penalties
Sponsored by Sen. Doug Campbell (R)
Topics:State governmentHealth care
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 29, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 4, 2026
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Companies that make or sell gene-based vaccines in Iowa would have to perform specific studies on how these vaccines spread or contaminate DNA before they can be distributed. If a person distributes a vaccine that the FDA finds poses an unreasonable risk to public health, they could face a $1,000 fine and lose their license. Additionally, manufacturers would no longer be protected from lawsuits if a design defect in the vaccine causes injury or death.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the distribution of gene-based vaccines. The bill defines “deoxyribonucleic acid contamination”, “distribute”, “gene-based vaccine”, “shedding”, and “transmission”. The bill requires a manufacturer of gene-based vaccines to conduct integrative transmissibility, deoxyribonucleic acid contamination, and shedding studies prior to the distribution of a gene-based vaccine within the state. The bill provides that any person that distributes a gene-based vaccine within the state posing an unreasonable risk of harm to public health, as determined by the United States food and drug administration, due to transmission or shedding is subject to a $1,000 fine per occurrence and licensing discipline by the appropriate licensing authority, if applicable. The bill provides that a manufacturer that distributes, sells, or uses a gene-based vaccine within the state is not immune from liability for injury or death caused by a design defect in the gene-based vaccine. The bill directs to the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing to adopt rules to enforce and administer the bill.
Why it matters. Manufacturers of gene-based vaccines would be required to conduct specific studies on transmissibility, DNA contamination, and shedding before distributing these vaccines in Iowa. People who distribute these vaccines in a way that the FDA determines poses an unreasonable risk of harm to public health could face a $1,000 fine per occurrence and licensing discipline. Additionally, manufacturers would not be immune from liability for injuries or deaths caused by design defects in their vaccines.2
Senate subcommittee
Named February 4, 2026. It hasn’t reported yet.
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