HF 501: Relating to the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case

What it does

This bill relates to the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case. DIVISION I —— PRESERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.10 (gathering and preservation of sexual abuse evidence collection kits), all biological evidence collected involving a felony or aggravated misdemeanor in an agency’s possession or control shall be preserved and stored by the agency as follows: for cases resulting in a conviction or a deferred judgment, the biological evidence shall be retained for the latter of years from the date the defendant’s conviction becomes final or the period of time that the defendant or a codefendant remains in custody; and for cases not resulting in a conviction, the biological evidence shall be preserved and stored until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the alleged offense.

Lobbying · 2 for, 1 against

For: League of Women Voters of Iowa; The Innocence Project

Against: Iowa County Attorneys Association

In plain words

1. February 28, 2023Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee