Relating to modification and substitution of a death certificate based on information obtained from a brain autopsy

Sponsored by Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D)

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedMarch 10, 2025
Done: SubcommitteeMarch 13, 2025
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 General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to modification and substitution of a death certificate based on information obtained from a brain autopsy. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to establish procedures to allow for a modification and substitution of a death certificate when a brain autopsy performed by a person or laboratory licensed or authorized by the state to perform an autopsy, or by an accredited medical school located in the United States, provides additional information regarding conditions that may have contributed to a decedent’s death.

Read the full explanation

A modification and substitution of a death certificate shall not require a court order if a person applies for the modification and substitution within years of the date of the decedent’s death.41, and prohibits the state from charging a fee for a modification and substitution of the death certificate. The bill directs HHS to adopt rules to implement the bill.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

Senate subcommittee

Named March 13, 2025. 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

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§144.26

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