SF 256: Relating to the prosecution of criminal offenses committed by law enforcement officers

What it does

This bill relates to the prosecution of criminal offenses committed by law enforcement officers. Current law provides that the attorney general may prosecute a criminal offense committed by a law enforcement officer arising from the actions of the officer resulting in the death of another. The bill provides that if the attorney general determines that the officer acted with legal justification in using deadly force to avoid injury or risk to the officer’s life or the safety or life of another, no other prosecuting agency shall bring an unreasonable use of force case against the officer.

Senate subcommittee · named January 11, 2024

• Sen. Dan Dawson (R) · dan.dawson@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Tony Bisignano (D) · tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 3 against

For: City of Waukee; Iowa Fraternal Order of Police; Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association; State Police Officers Council

Against: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa County Attorneys Association

In plain words

1. February 9, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 13, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Dawson, Bisignano and Bousselot
3. February 22, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. March 1, 2023Approved by the Senate committee
5. June 5, 2023Sent to the Senate Judiciary committee
6. January 11, 2024Senate subcommittee named: Dawson, Bisignano and Bousselot