Creating a civil action relating to harassment by the reporting of false information to law enforcement authority

Sponsored by the House Judiciary Committee

Topics:Courts & civil law

Same legislation: HF 421

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 8, 2021
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 9, 2021
Done: House committeeMarch 5, 2021
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 23, 2021
Done: Senate committeeApril 1, 2021
Done: Passes the SenateApril 21, 202146–0
Done: To the GovernorMay 10, 2021
Done: Signed into lawMay 10, 2021

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary If someone lies to the police about you committing a crime just to scare or annoy you, they are committing harassment. This law would allow the person who was falsely accused to sue the liar in court to get money for damages.¹

Read the official explanation

Under Code section 708.7(1)(a)(4), a person commits the crime of harassment when the person, with intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm another person, reports or causes to be reported false information to a law enforcement authority implicating another in some criminal activity, knowing that the information is false, or reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur. This bill provides that the person subject to such harassment may institute a civil action for damages against the person who committed the harassment.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

Senate subcommittee

Named March 24, 2021. On March 30, 2021 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§708.7

How the Code works³

Lobbying

3 for · 0 against · 5 undecided · Who →

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89th General Assembly

HF 421Renumbered HF 821Became lawfrom HF 421