This bill creates a new criminal offense for approaching or staying within 25 feet of first responders after they have been warned not to do so. It directly affects individuals who might interfere with law enforcement officers, probation or parole officers, firefighters, or emergency medical providers while they are performing their official duties. The law prohibits people from intentionally getting close to these responders with the purpose of hindering their work, threatening them with physical harm, or harassing them. Anyone who violates this rule commits a serious misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year in jail and a fine between $430 and $2,560. The offense only applies after the person receiving the warning knows or should know the individual is a first responder engaged in lawful duties.
This bill appropriates state funds to the Iowa judicial branch for the fiscal year 2026-2027, providing approximately $202.7 million for salaries, staff, operations, and various court services. Key provisions include specific funding for juvenile court services, court-ordered services for children, jury and witness fees, and delinquent fine collection efforts. The legislation also requires the judicial branch to use state budget systems, submit monthly financial reports, and maintain district court clerk offices in all 99 counties. Additionally, it establishes reporting requirements for court technology funds and limits on how the judicial branch can modify appropriations without legislative notice.
HF 2302 creates a public registry for "persistent domestic abuse assault offenders" in Iowa - defined as individuals convicted of domestic abuse assault (under §708.2A) with at least one prior similar conviction. The registry, maintained by the Department of Public Safety, will include offenders' names, birth dates, conviction dates, counties, and photos, but exclude addresses, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license details. Courts must report qualifying convictions to the Department within seven days, and offenders must pay a $150 registration fee ($50 to the court, $100 to the Department). Offenders are removed from the registry after 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on prior convictions, with the registry applying only to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026.
HF 2556 bans all state agencies, law enforcement, and contractors acting for government from using automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems or retaining their data. It requires existing ALPRs to be removed and all collected data destroyed within 30 days of the law's effective date. The bill creates a private right to sue for violations (with $1,000+ per day penalties), prohibits ALPR evidence in court, and imposes civil fines of $10,000+ per violation. This replaces Iowa’s current law, which only required deleting ALPR images after 30 days, with a complete prohibition on the technology.
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.
HF 2561 prohibits "street takeovers" - events involving three or more motor vehicles operating in violation of traffic laws (like reckless driving or drag racing) or with spectators present. Participants face escalating penalties: a first offense includes a $500-$2,000 fine and driver’s license revocation, while third offenses carry up to $7,500 fines and five years in prison. Organizers face a class D felony charge (up to five years in prison), and spectators risk a $400 fine. Police must impound vehicles used in these events for 30 days, with unclaimed vehicles subject to abandonment laws.
HF 2675 establishes specific procedural rights for Iowa peace officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections staff, and other public safety personnel during formal investigations into complaints. The bill requires agencies to provide officers with a written summary of complaints before interviews, access to relevant incident reports and evidence without delay, and audio recording of all interviews. It guarantees officers the right to have legal counsel or union representatives present during investigations and disciplinary proceedings, while protecting confidential communications between officers and their representatives. The bill also prohibits using interview responses against officers in criminal cases and mandates that disciplinary decisions include providing full investigative reports upon request. This applies directly to all certified public safety personnel employed by Iowa municipalities, counties, or state agencies.
This Iowa bill (HF 2726) strengthens penalties for assaults against specific public safety and health workers (like police, nurses, correctional staff, and firefighters) and adds a new requirement for disease testing. It defines "protected occupations" and classifies assaults on these workers as serious crimes (felonies or aggravated misdemeanors) based on circumstances like weapon use or injury. Crucially, if a victim contacts bodily fluids (blood, saliva, etc.) during an assault and suspects the perpetrator may have a communicable disease, they can request a court-ordered medical test of the perpetrator. The medical professional conducting the test must then share results directly with the victim as soon as possible. This provision applies specifically to assaults where bodily fluid exposure occurred, focusing on victim safety and transparency.
HF 2701 regulates how Iowa law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate readers (LPRs). It requires agencies to get state approval for LPRs, mandates vendors to certify data deletion (after 21 days for plate images, 2 years for audit trails), and prohibits sharing data without authorization. The bill generally requires a warrant to access LPR data after 24 hours, with exceptions for voluntary consent, stolen vehicle reports, or emergencies. It also specifies that law enforcement agencies own LPR data and must notify them of third-party data requests. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, vendors selling LPR systems, and Iowa residents whose license plates may be scanned.
HF 2704 strengthens protections for crime victims in Iowa by establishing confidentiality for victim-counselor communications and defining qualified victim counselors with specific training requirements. It allows courts to grant protective orders for victims of sexual offenses that last for the victim's lifetime, based on prior convictions without requiring the victim's court appearance. The bill also creates legal immunity for counselors who disclose information in good faith under these provisions. These changes directly affect sexual assault victims, victim counselors, and courts handling related cases. The bill focuses on procedural safeguards rather than new financial or enforcement mechanisms.
