Iowa House Advances Bill to End School Vaccine Requirements

Legislation would strike immunization rules for K-12 students, keeping mandate for child care facilities

Feb. 5, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The Republican-led Iowa House Education Committee has advanced a bill that would end immunization requirements for students to attend K-12 schools in the state. The measure, which is now eligible for debate and a vote on the House floor, would strike existing state law mandating a series of vaccinations for children, while leaving the requirement in place for child care facilities.

Why it matters

Iowa has required school vaccinations since 1977, which has been credited with drastically reducing outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles and mumps. Public health experts and medical organizations strongly oppose the measure, warning that removing school vaccine requirements would put children at unnecessary risk of serious, preventable illnesses.

The details

The House Education Committee advanced the bill on a 14-9 vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats in voting against it. A subcommittee had previously advanced the bill 2-1 along party lines. The bill's sponsor, Representative Zach Dieken, said the continued requirement for child care facilities was an unintended oversight.

  • The House Education Committee advanced the bill late Wednesday night.
  • The bill is now eligible for debate and a vote on the House floor as early as next week.

The players

Iowa House Education Committee

The committee that advanced the bill to end school vaccine requirements.

Representative Zach Dieken

The sponsor of the bill to end school vaccine requirements in Iowa.

Iowa Medical Society

A medical organization that strongly opposed the measure, warning it would put children at risk.

American Academy of Pediatrics

A medical organization that strongly opposed the measure, warning it would put children at risk.

Iowa hospitals, county governments and public health organizations

Entities that strongly opposed the measure, warning it would put children at risk.

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What they’re saying

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