HF 2174: Providing for a task force to address legal services for indigent parties

What it does

This bill directs the judicial branch to establish a task force to investigate the statewide delivery of legal services to indigent parties in criminal, juvenile, and child abuse and neglect proceedings and to develop recommendations to improve service delivery, address public defender conflicts of interest, ensure competent representation, identify sustainable funding, and increase the number of qualified attorneys available to serve indigent Iowans. The required members of the task force are specified in the bill. The bill provides that for the period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending November 15, 2030, the task force must convene at least once per year. The bill requires the judicial branch to submit a report to the governor and the general assembly by November each year through 2030.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Judd Lawler (R) · judd.lawler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Angel Ramirez (D) · angel.ramirez@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Advocacy; Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

1. January 27, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., Lawler and Ramirez
3. February 5, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 12, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 12, 2026Committee vote: 21–0
6. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2572