A bill for an act providing for a hearing to determine immunity from criminal or civil liability following a use of reasonable force in defense of one’s self, others, or property.

This Iowa bill (HSB 213) creates a new pretrial hearing process for criminal cases where defendants claim immunity after using reasonable force to defend themselves, others, or property. Defendants must file a motion at least 45 days before trial, triggering a hearing where the court determines if immunity applies. If the defendant shows a valid claim, the state must prove by "clear and convincing evidence" that immunity shouldn't apply; if it fails, the case is dismissed. This directly affects individuals charged in self-defense cases and clarifies the legal process for immunity claims in criminal proceedings.