SJR 9 Iowa Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses.

SJR 9 proposes adding a new section to the Iowa Constitution to protect children under 18 and witnesses with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities. It would allow future laws to limit an accused person's right to confront these specific witnesses during legal proceedings. The amendment requires voter approval after being referred to the general assembly for the next election. This is a proposed constitutional change, not an enacted law, and would enable state lawmakers to create procedures for handling testimony from vulnerable witnesses.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Enrolled Signed Enrolled Bill (PDF) · 3 edits
MINOR
The document transitioned from a draft legislative text to a final signed version, adding official signatures, contact details, and a transmittal letter. The substantive policy content regarding the proposed constitutional amendment remains unchanged.
Scope change
No change in the scope or applicability of the bill; the text of the proposed amendment is identical in both versions.
TECHNICAL

Added a transmittal letter from the Secretary of the Senate to the Secretary of State, explaining the bill's purpose and confirming it does not require the Governor's signature.

Included official signatures, titles, and contact information for the Secretary of the Senate and Secretary of State.

Converted the layout from a line-by-line draft format to a standard, formatted document layout suitable for official filing.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 19, 2025 · House Apr 17, 2025

How they voted

480
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 51
Mar 19, 2025
D Democratic16
13 Yea 3
81% Yea
R Republican35
35 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed House, yeas 87, nays 6.
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, yeas 47, nays 0.
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report, approving bill.
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, placed on calendar.
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.