Iowa’s Major New Laws Take Effect | Des Moines News

Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 4, 2026 · 1m

Iowa’s July 1st law roundup packs major changes: affirmative action and anti-bias training vanish from schools and police, abortion meds now require in-person consultations, and doctors can legally refuse care based on conscience—sparking debate. Teens can’t get STD vaccines without parental consent, fake degrees become a crime after a superintendent scandal, and animal torture is now a felony—making Iowa the last state to do so. Towing rules tighten with clearer timelines and credit card acceptance, while schools get a 2% supplemental aid boost (just meeting minimums) plus pay support and…