DESMOINES, Iowa - Businesses in Iowa will likely be banned from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
A bill prohibiting vaccine passports is headed to Governor Kim Reynolds one month after she called for state action against them.
The bill prevents state and local governments from issuing vaccination ID cards, and bars businesses from requiring vaccination proof from customers or visitors.
Governor Reynolds is expected to sign the bill after taking a strong public stance against vaccine passports.
The measure passed the State Senate 32-16 Wednesday after clearing the House the same week Reynolds stated her position.
At the time in April, other states were taking action against vaccine passports.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis barred businesses and governmental agencies from asking for proof of a vaccine, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar order for state agencies and institutions that receive state money.
The Iowa bill specifically includes retailers who are required to have a sales tax permit, as well as nonprofit organization and businesses open to the public.
Businesses and governments that violate the ban could not receive state grants and contracts.
The bill's prohibitions would not apply to health care facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes, and would not affect requirements employers may place on their employees.
One Democrat supported the Senate bill, while two Republicans voted against it.