This bill addresses the powers and duties of the governor during state disaster emergencies and public health disasters, specifically prohibiting the governor from regulating religious institutions and practices. It establishes that the governor cannot issue measures that unduly interfere with the operations of religious institutions or impede individual religious practices. The duration of a state of disaster emergency is modified from thirty days to fifteen days, with provisions for the general assembly to extend or amend the proclamation in fifteen-day increments. If the general assembly is not in session, the legislative council can only extend or amend the proclamation once for a maximum of fifteen days.

Furthermore, the bill outlines restrictions on measures during a state of disaster emergency, including limitations on infringing constitutional rights and the authority of health-related professionals. It shifts the role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from ordering vaccinations and treatments to recommending them, ensuring individuals have the ultimate authority over their health decisions. The bill also modifies immunization requirements for school enrollment, allowing exemptions based on sincerely held religious beliefs rather than just recognized religious denominations. This exemption remains in effect during emergencies or epidemics, broadening the scope of religious exemptions for vaccinations in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29C.6, 135.140, 139A.4, 139A.8