A bill for an act providing for a task force to address legal services for indigent parties.

HF 2174 establishes a task force within Iowa's judicial branch to examine legal services for indigent parties (those unable to pay for legal representation) in criminal, juvenile, and child abuse/neglect cases. The task force, composed of appointed legal and judicial representatives, must identify current service delivery methods, recommend improvements, address conflicts of interest for public defenders, ensure competent representation, and propose sustainable funding and attorney recruitment strategies. The task force will operate from July 2026 through November 2030, submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature with findings and recommendations. This is a procedural bill focused on analysis and recommendations, not direct policy implementation.