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 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.
HF 2301 creates a public registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic abuse assaults (defined as repeated offenses under Iowa Code §708.2A). It requires courts to order registration after a conviction with at least one prior domestic abuse assault conviction, including the offender’s name, date of birth, conviction details, and photo on the Iowa Department of Public Safety website (excluding addresses or Social Security numbers). Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee ($50 retained by the court, $100 for registry administration), and the registry automatically removes names after 2-10 years based on prior convictions. The registry applies only to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026, with prior convictions dating back to any time.
SF 2379 strengthens protections for crime victims by establishing strict confidentiality for communications between victims and certified victim counselors, prohibiting disclosure without written consent or in cases of imminent danger. It allows courts to issue lifetime protective orders for victims of sexual offenses, removing previous one-year limits and enabling unlimited extensions based on ongoing safety concerns. The bill also clarifies that confidentiality does not apply to evidence chain-of-custody matters or if a counselor suspects a victim provided false testimony. These changes directly affect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes who use victim services or seek protective orders.
This Iowa bill (5551XD) strengthens protections for crime victims, particularly those impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence. It establishes strict confidentiality for victim-counselor communications (requiring counselors to complete 20+ hours of specialized training), grants immunity for good-faith disclosures, and allows courts to issue lifetime protective orders for victims of sexual offenses without requiring their in-person court appearance. The bill also updates sex offender registration deadlines to require in-person reporting within three business days of changes to residence or employment. These changes directly affect victims, victim counselors, law enforcement, and courts handling related cases.
This bill creates "extreme risk protective orders" allowing family members, intimate partners, or police to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing an immediate danger to themselves or others. Petitions require specific evidence of danger (supported by an affidavit) and must detail the firearms involved, with all filing fees waived. Law enforcement can serve these orders during routine stops using a simplified "short-form notification" process, requiring immediate firearm surrender. The order is temporary and requires a court hearing within a short timeframe to determine its continuation.
This bill (HSB 570) proposes key changes to victim protections in Iowa. It establishes strict confidentiality for communications between certified victim counselors (requiring 20+ hours of specialized training) and crime victims, with limited exceptions like imminent danger. For sexual assault victims, it allows courts to grant lifetime protective orders without requiring the victim to appear in court, using the offender's conviction as evidence. The bill also modifies sex offender registration requirements, though the full details are not provided in the excerpt. If passed, it would directly affect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and their counselors.
This bill allows tenants who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, or certain other qualifying crimes to terminate rental agreements early without penalty. To do so, tenants must provide written notice to their landlord with specific documentation, such as a protective order, police report, or certified medical documentation from a healthcare provider. Landlords cannot charge fees, report negative credit information, or refuse to rent based on this termination right. Tenants remain responsible for rent through the termination date but are not liable for future rent if the unit is re-rented, and cannot be charged for forfeiting deposits.
SF 2161 defines "coercive control" as a pattern of behavior causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm that unreasonably interferes with someone's free will and personal liberty. It expands the legal definition of domestic abuse to include these controlling tactics, such as financial exploitation, isolation, technology-based harassment, or threats involving children or immigration status. The bill affects individuals in intimate relationships or family/household situations where such control occurs, making protective orders automatically cover coercive control behaviors. This change ensures courts can address psychological and financial abuse as part of domestic abuse cases, without requiring physical assault.
HB 141 allows tenants who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, or other qualifying crimes to terminate rental agreements early without penalty. Tenants must provide written notice to landlords along with specific documentation, such as a protective order, police report, or medical documentation from a licensed provider verifying the victimization. The bill protects tenants from being charged fees, losing security deposits, or receiving negative credit references for using this right, and prohibits landlords from refusing to rent based on prior use of this provision. Tenants remain responsible for rent through the termination date (14-30 days after notice) but are released from liability for future rent or damages.
