A bill for an act providing for a task force to address legal services for indigent parties.

HF 2572 establishes a task force within Iowa's judicial branch to examine how legal services are delivered to indigent (low-income) individuals in criminal, juvenile, and child abuse/neglect court cases statewide. The task force must identify current service gaps, recommend improvements for competent representation, address conflicts of interest affecting public defenders, explore sustainable funding, and suggest ways to increase the number of qualified attorneys available. Composed of 12 members including judges, attorneys, public defenders, law school deans, and legislative appointees, the task force will meet annually from 2026 to 2030 and submit yearly reports to the governor and legislature. This bill creates a structured process for evaluating and improving legal aid access but does not implement direct policy changes or funding.