SF 289 updates Iowa's invasion of privacy law to specifically address non-consensual recording. It makes it a violation to knowingly view, photograph, or film someone for sexual gratification, or to possess such material without a legitimate reason. The bill directly affects individuals who secretly record others in private settings for sexual purposes. Penalties apply when these actions occur, clarifying the legal consequences for violating privacy in this manner. This law strengthens protections against non-consensual intimate recordings by defining clear prohibited conduct.
HF 803 changes the timing for substance use disorder evaluations required for people convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa. Currently, courts order these evaluations to be completed *before* sentencing; this bill removes that specific timing requirement. The law still mandates that OWI convicts pay for and undergo the evaluation, and follow its recommendations as outlined in another section of the code. This directly affects individuals sentenced for OWI offenses in Iowa courts, altering when the evaluation must be conducted relative to sentencing.
SF 623 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reimburse counties for costs related to holding certain individuals. The bill mandates HHS to pay counties $50 per day when a sexually violent predator (SVP), already under a civil commitment order, commits a new public offense and is transferred to or confined in a county jail. This reimbursement covers the period the SVP is temporarily held after transfer or serves a sentence in the county jail. Funds for these payments will come from existing appropriations for sexually violent predator treatment and commitment programs.
HF 298 allows youth involved in juvenile court cases (delinquency petitions) to be placed in supervised apartment living arrangements under a consent decree, rather than traditional facilities. The bill specifies when the state must cover the cost of these placements for eligible youth. It directly affects minors in the juvenile justice system and their legal representatives by creating a new placement option with clear state funding requirements. The law establishes that state payment applies when the placement is part of a court-approved consent decree. This changes how juvenile justice cases handle housing for youth awaiting court decisions.
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.
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.
HF 1001 creates a rural attorney recruitment assistance program to help eligible rural counties and municipalities attract and retain legal professionals. The College Student Aid Commission will administer the program, assessing counties and municipalities with populations under 26,000 and located more than 20 miles from a larger city. Participating attorneys agree to practice law full-time in these areas for five years, serve as contract public defenders, and participate in volunteer legal projects. In return, they receive annual incentive payments over five years, with the local government covering 35% and the state covering the remaining 65%. The program is initially limited to assisting up to five attorneys.
This bill appropriates over $220 million from the state's general fund to the judicial branch for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The funds are allocated to cover salaries for judges and court staff, jury and witness fees, and reimbursements for state public defender attorney fees. It also designates specific amounts for court-ordered services for juveniles, including school-based supervision and delinquent graduated sanctions programs. Additionally, the bill includes funding for the creation of a business court and establishes requirements for financial reporting and the operation of clerk of district court offices.
HF 908 aims to combat human trafficking by implementing new screening procedures for children and extending civil statutes of limitations for victims. The bill mandates the use of standardized tools to screen children involved in court complaints or child abuse allegations for commercial sexual exploitation and substance use. It also extends the time frame for survivors of child sexual abuse or human trafficking to file civil actions to five years after reaching adulthood. Additionally, the legislation establishes an annual stakeholder meeting to develop further legislative proposals, prevents the prosecution of minors involved in prostitution, and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to plan for increased restoration facilities for juvenile victims.
SF 634 increases the annual registration fee for sex offenders in Iowa from $25 to $50. This fee must be paid to the sheriff in the offender's county of principal residence, beginning with their first required in-person appearance after July 1, 2009. If an offender cannot pay upfront, sheriffs may allow installment payments or waive the fee. The collected fees are specifically designated to cover costs related to sex offender registration under the law. The bill directly affects individuals required to register as sex offenders in Iowa.
