HF 1036 aims to combat human trafficking by implementing several measures, primarily affecting child victims and those involved in the justice and social services systems. It mandates standardized screening for commercial sexual exploitation for children in certain court and child abuse cases and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to plan for increased restoration facilities for juvenile victims. The bill also extends the civil statute of limitations for actions related to child sexual abuse or human trafficking to five years after reaching majority or discovery. Additionally, it prevents the prosecution of minors under 18 who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation, instead referring them to protective services, and establishes an annual stakeholder meeting to develop legislative proposals.
HF 523 allows peace officers in Iowa to file petitions for 72-hour emergency protective orders on behalf of domestic abuse victims who claim to be in immediate danger and request the officer's assistance. The bill amends Iowa Code 236.6 to permit this action, directly affecting victims who may be unable to file petitions themselves during urgent situations. Key provisions require the victim to both state they are in present danger of domestic abuse and specifically ask the officer to submit the petition. This change streamlines access to emergency protection without altering the legal standard for issuing such orders.
SF 648 allocates state funds to cover judicial officer salaries and interpreter/translator fees within the court system. It directly affects court employees, judges, and individuals requiring language assistance during legal proceedings. The bill provides the necessary budgetary resources to pay these staff members and cover translation costs, ensuring courts can operate effectively. It includes specific timing details for when the funding becomes effective. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and it became law after the Governor signed it on June 11, 2025.
SF 644 is a funding bill that allocates state money to key parts of the justice system. It directly provides resources for legal representation for people who cannot afford an attorney (indigent defense), funds for rebuilding or improving correctional facilities (corrections capital reinvestment), and manages federal funds received by the corrections system (corrections federal receipts fund). The bill specifies how these funds are to be used and when the funding takes effect. It was signed into law by the Governor on June 11, 2025.
House File 643 requires the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reimburse counties for the costs of temporarily holding or confining sexually violent predators (SVPs). This applies when an SVP, already under a civil commitment order, commits a new public offense and is subsequently transferred to or sentenced to a county jail. HHS must pay the county $50 per day for the duration the SVP is held or confined in the county jail. The bill specifies that these reimbursements will be paid from funds appropriated for the treatment and commitment of sexually violent predators or from other designated transferred funds.
This bill establishes new requirements for county attorneys regarding the review of officer-involved shooting cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It mandates that county attorneys review evidence and then either issue a written opinion and charging decision, convene a grand jury, or refer the case to the attorney general. A written report detailing the review's results must be provided to the officer involved and their employing agency within 180 days of the county attorney receiving evidence. Furthermore, if a conflict of interest arises, the review must be referred to an independent prosecutor.
HF 946 establishes a process for addressing law enforcement officers, including elected sheriffs, who knowingly and intentionally fail to comply with state immigration enforcement laws. Under this bill, such officers can be investigated by the Attorney General. If a complaint is found valid and the officer continues to refuse compliance, their case may be referred to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council. The Council could then receive a recommendation to revoke the officer's certification.
HF 792 establishes a new cause of action for first-degree murder related to fentanyl. The bill states that a person commits first-degree murder if they unlawfully deliver, dispense, or provide fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance that proximately causes another person's death through injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion. It clarifies that it is not a defense if the deceased person contributed to their own death by willingly taking the substance. This offense is classified as a Class "A" felony, punishable by life imprisonment without parole.
House File 926 creates a process for victims of human trafficking to petition the court for expungement of certain criminal history records. This allows records for offenses committed while they were victims to be removed from public access. Petitioners must submit a sworn statement, and official documentation of their victim status can be provided, though it's not strictly required. The bill specifies that no fees are charged for filing these petitions, and expunged records become confidential, though they remain accessible to criminal justice agencies or by court order. However, certain serious offenses, such as homicide or sexual abuse, are not eligible for expungement under this bill.
House File 945 establishes a new process for individuals to claim immunity from criminal or civil liability if they use reasonable force to defend themselves, others, or their property. In criminal cases, a defendant can file a pretrial motion for immunity, leading to a hearing where the state must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the immunity claim is not valid. If the state fails to overcome the immunity claim, the criminal case is dismissed; otherwise, it proceeds to trial. The bill also allows this immunity to be used as an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits.
