A bill for an act relating to the financial responsibilities of a parent, or an individual who has a parent-child relationship with a child, whose parental rights are terminated in whole or in part for committing domestic abuse, or assault against a family member.

HF 2276 requires parents whose rights are terminated due to domestic abuse (as defined in §236.2) or assault against a family member (as defined in §708.1) to pay court costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred by the other parent during termination proceedings. The bill also clarifies that individuals with terminated parental rights under these circumstances remain liable for child support if a court order was in place before termination and the child is under 18. It directly affects parents whose rights were terminated for abuse or assault, shifting financial responsibility to them rather than the other parent or the state. The key provisions amend Iowa Code §232.121 (requiring payment of costs/fees) and add §252A.3 (defining ongoing support liability). The bill is currently in committee referral.