SF473: Foster Parent Beliefs

Prevents the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services from requiring foster parents, kinship caregivers, or prospective adoptive parents to affirm or support policies related to sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. It prohibits discrimination against these individuals or entities based on such beliefs in foster care or adoption placements. The bill also allows individuals to take legal action if their rights under this law are violated and enables the attorney general to enforce these provisions. Religious organizations contracting with the state for foster care or adoption services cannot be compelled to provide services contrary to their beliefs, though the department must still determine the child's best interests in placements.

Key Points & Impacts

• Prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from requiring foster care licensees, kinship caregivers, or prospective adoptive parents to affirm or support policies on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.

• Prevents the department from denying foster care or adoption licenses or approvals based on an individual’s sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Bars the department from adopting standards or rules that would exclude individuals from consideration as caregivers or adoptive parents due to such beliefs.

• Allows individuals and kinship caregivers to bring legal action for violations, with courts able to grant injunctive, declaratory, or other relief, including attorney fees and costs.

• Authorizes the attorney general to enforce these provisions.

• Requires the department to consider the sincerely held beliefs of the child and family of origin when making placement decisions, to ensure the best interests of the child.

• Protects religious organizations with state contracts for foster care or adoption from being required to provide services contrary to their beliefs, unless federal law dictates otherwise.

• Affirms that the department must still prioritize the best interests of the child in all placement decisions.

Signed by Governor June 2, 2026. Takes effect July 1, 2026.