Relating to pretrial contact between a prosecuting witness who is a minor and the defendant

Topics:Crime & corrections

Same legislation: HF 709

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2021
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 14, 2021
Done: House committeeFebruary 24, 2021
Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 709
Next: Senate committee
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Became HF 709 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 709 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary In certain criminal cases, children who are witnesses have the right to refuse meetings or interviews that involve direct contact with the person accused of the crime. This rule applies to most serious offenses but does not include simple misdemeanors. It allows young witnesses to avoid interacting with the defendant before their case goes to trial.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to pretrial contact between a prosecuting witness who is a minor and the defendant. The bill provides that a prosecuting witness who is a minor, as defined in Code section 599.1, in a criminal case involving a public offense or a delinquent act, other than a simple misdemeanor, shall have the right to refuse a pretrial interview, pretrial deposition, or any other discovery request involving direct contact with the defendant.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

House subcommittee

Named January 14, 2021. On January 26, 2021 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 3-0.

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

Creates§915.36A

How the Code works³

Lobbying

3 for · 1 against · 6 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Tried before

HF 659Passed a chamber88th GA HF 395Didn’t advance88th GA

89th General Assembly

HF 9Renumbered HF 709Became lawfrom HF 9

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None became law, though one got through a chamber.

HF 395 Relating to pretrial contact between a prosecuting witness who is a minor and the defendan…
88th General Assembly · Withdrawn · same title
Didn’t advance
HF 659 Relating to pretrial contact between a prosecuting witness who is a minor and the defendan…
88th General Assembly · Passed House · same title
Passed a chamber

Matched by wording or an identical title.