SF 334 Iowa Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A bill for an act creating a special motion for expedited relief in actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and of the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

SF 334 creates a "Uniform Public Expression Protection Act" in Iowa, allowing individuals or organizations sued over speech, assembly, or association on public issues to file a special motion to dismiss the case quickly. If filed within 60 days of being sued, the motion triggers an automatic stay of all other court proceedings while the case is reviewed. The court must dismiss the lawsuit if the plaintiff cannot prove they have a valid legal claim, and the moving party may recover attorney fees if successful. The law specifically excludes government officials acting in their official capacity, commercial speech about goods/services, and cases involving imminent public safety threats.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 17, 2025 Last action Feb 20, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Subcommittee: Schultz, Blake, and Bousselot.
upper
Feb 17, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, referred to Judiciary.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Cherielynn Westrich
Cherielynn Westrich
RRepublican
IA
13