Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law Friday, 10/29/2021 that aims to make it easier for workers to get medical and religious exemptions to workplace COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

The Iowa House and Senate passed the bill Thursday, 10/28/2021 with bipartisan support.

Reynolds said in a statement Friday the new law will protect Iowans' freedom to make their own health care decisions.

According to Republican lawmakers who proposed the bill, employees seeking a medical or religious exemption simply have to state they believe the COVID-19 vaccine would hurt their health or would conflict with their religion. It doesn’t require them to get proof from a doctor or religious leader.

If someone gets fired for not getting vaccinated, the new law will allow them to remain eligible to receive unemployment benefits.