Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence) in Iowa

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SF 337: A bill for an act relating to a hope card program for plaintiffs granted certain orders in a domestic abuse proceeding, and providing penalties.

This bill creates a "Hope Card" program for domestic abuse victims in Iowa who have obtained court orders protecting them from abuse (either temporary orders under §236.4 or protective orders under §236.5). County clerks must issue these free cards within three business days of an order being granted, containing the victim’s and abuser’s names, case details, and order expiration dates. Cards remain valid for up to two years or until the court order expires, and may be digital or physical. Presenting a fake Hope Card as genuine is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $855 fine.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HSB 289: A bill for an act relating to the Iowa law enforcement academy council including the revocation or suspension of certifications of law enforcement officers and reserve peace officers, and administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

This bill updates Iowa's law enforcement certification standards and complaint procedures. It directly affects active law enforcement officers and reserve peace officers by expanding the grounds for certification revocation or suspension (including convictions for sex offenses, domestic violence, false testimony, or refusal to complete required training) and strengthening the council's role in reviewing complaints about agency training. The law requires police departments to notify the council within 10 days of officer terminations or resignations related to pending misconduct investigations, and grants the council authority to order remedial training or take disciplinary action. Key mechanisms include new administrative review processes for certification issues and updated definitions for "final" employment decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

died · Iowa · House Mar 14, 2025

HF 108: A bill for an act relating to the ability of peace officers to file a petition for emergency protective orders on behalf of persons seeking relief from domestic abuse.

HF 108 allows peace officers in Iowa to file petitions for 72-hour emergency protective orders on behalf of domestic abuse victims who are in immediate danger and request the officer's help. This directly affects individuals experiencing domestic abuse who may be unable to file such petitions themselves due to fear, trauma, or other barriers. The key provision amends Iowa law to permit officers to act as advocates for these victims, streamlining access to urgent court-issued protection. The bill does not change the legal standard for issuing protective orders but expands who can initiate the process. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on March 14, 2025.)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 23, 2025

SF 65: A bill for an act relating to background investigations for certification or recertification as a law enforcement officer.

SF 65 requires all law enforcement officers in Iowa to undergo a background investigation to prove "good moral character" before initial certification or recertification. It prohibits certification for individuals with felony convictions or certain crimes involving "moral turpitude," defined as serious misconduct contrary to justice or good morals. This includes offenses like domestic violence misdemeanors, sex crimes, child abuse, or crimes resulting in sex offender registry placement. The bill applies to all officers seeking new certification or renewal, ensuring background checks cover specific high-risk offenses outlined in the law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2025

HF 324: A bill for an act relating to domestic abuse threat evaluation and deterrence.

HF 324 requires Iowa law enforcement officers to conduct a threat evaluation for individuals identified as the primary physical aggressor in domestic abuse incidents *when no arrest is made*. This evaluation uses a department-adopted checklist considering factors like prior abuse convictions, violations of protective orders, felony convictions, and weapon possession. If two or more checklist factors apply, officers must provide the aggressor with resources like counseling, job programs, and housing assistance information. The bill also mandates that officers provide victims with materials about financial aid, mental health services, and legal support. These changes aim to address domestic abuse risks and provide support services without advocating for specific outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SF 340: A bill for an act relating to no-contact orders and electronic tracking and monitoring systems.

SF 340 requires courts to inform defendants violating no-contact orders (for domestic abuse, stalking, or similar offenses) that they may face electronic monitoring. It mandates that defendants wear tracking devices monitored within 1,000 feet of a protected party's home or workplace ("protective zone"), with real-time alerts sent to both the protected party and law enforcement if the defendant enters the zone. Defendants must pay all costs for the monitoring system as court fees. The bill applies to individuals violating orders issued under Iowa law, ensuring continuous monitoring for repeat violations while defining specific geographic protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

signed · Iowa · House May 6, 2026

HF 523: A bill for an act relating to the ability of peace officers to file a petition for emergency protective orders on behalf of persons seeking relief from domestic abuse.

HF 523 allows peace officers in Iowa to file petitions for 72-hour emergency protective orders on behalf of domestic abuse victims who claim to be in immediate danger and request the officer's assistance. The bill amends Iowa Code 236.6 to permit this action, directly affecting victims who may be unable to file petitions themselves during urgent situations. Key provisions require the victim to both state they are in present danger of domestic abuse and specifically ask the officer to submit the petition. This change streamlines access to emergency protection without altering the legal standard for issuing such orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

All criminal justice bills

SF 337: A bill for an act relating to a hope card program for plaintiffs granted certain orders in a domestic abuse proceeding, and providing penalties.

HF 108: A bill for an act relating to the ability of peace officers to file a petition for emergency protective orders on behalf of persons seeking relief from domestic abuse.

SF 65: A bill for an act relating to background investigations for certification or recertification as a law enforcement officer.

HF 324: A bill for an act relating to domestic abuse threat evaluation and deterrence.

SF 340: A bill for an act relating to no-contact orders and electronic tracking and monitoring systems.

HF 523: A bill for an act relating to the ability of peace officers to file a petition for emergency protective orders on behalf of persons seeking relief from domestic abuse.