Some of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ health policy agenda is outlined in a bill that has cleared a House subcommittee.
The bill would require Iowa doctors to complete a one-hour nutrition education course and would ban certain food dyes and additives from school meals. It also would require the state to continue applying for federal waivers to restrict food stamp purchases to healthy foods. Iowa currently prohibits using food assistance benefits to buy taxable items such as candy and soda.
The measure does not include the governor’s proposal to allow over-the-counter sales of contraceptives. However, it would allow Iowa pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription.
A section of the bill that would have implemented Reynolds’ proposal to raise state taxes on cigarettes and vaping products has been removed. House lawmakers say they plan to consider that proposal separately.
