Relating to limitations on discovery depositions involving minor victims

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 21, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 27, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
4. Next: Passes the House
5. Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2639 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2639 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to limitations on discovery depositions involving minor victims. The bill provides that, except as provided, discovery depositions are not permitted in any criminal action when the victim is a minor at the time of the deposition and when the victim has previously given a statement by video and audio recording that describes the conduct that constitutes the elements of the charged offense, which recording was obtained by a forensic interviewer employed by an accredited child advocacy center or child protection center, and conducted substantially in accordance with a nationally recognized protocol for interviewing children.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named January 27, 2026. On February 4, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Samantha Fett REmail
• Rep. Rick L. Olson DEmail
• Rep. Charley Thomson REmail

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

Fiscal note

House File 2639 will increase costs to the State Public Defender by $850,000 per year. Costs associated with each claim will be paid from the Indigent Defense Fund and the additional State employee costs will be paid from the State Public Defender General Fund appropriation for operations.

• Criminal Actions, Depositions of Children · March 9, 2026 · $850,000

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§701.14

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.