Criminal Justice (Policing)

SF 415 makes it a class D felony (up to 5 years in prison and a $10,245 fine) for anyone who knowingly reports false information about specific serious crimes to police or fire departments, including forcible felonies, terrorism, or arson. It also increases penalties for continuing to make false accusations after being proven wrong, changing malicious prosecution charges from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor (up to 2 years in prison and an $8,540 fine). The bill directly affects individuals who falsely report certain high-level criminal acts, such as terrorism or violent offenses. Key provisions clarify that false reports about these specific crimes - rather than all criminal accusations - trigger the felony charge, and require proof the report was known to be false. The bill aims to deter false reports that waste public safety resources and harm innocent people.

HF 50 changes how local authorities in Iowa handle revenue from automated traffic enforcement systems. It requires them to deposit any excess funds (after covering system operation, maintenance, and administration costs) into the state's road use tax fund each month, instead of using those funds for transportation projects or police/fire department costs as current law allows. Local authorities must also submit monthly reports detailing all revenue and expenses related to these systems. The bill directly affects cities and counties using automated traffic cameras or remote enforcement technology.