HF 2703: Relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse

What it does

This bill relates to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse. The bill allows peace officers to conduct an interview with a child for the purpose of a child abuse investigation, and allows a child protection worker or peace officer to conduct an interview at a location including but not limited to an accredited child protection center or child advocacy center, and record visible evidence of abuse during an interview. Under current law, if an allegation of child abuse alleges a child has been harmed by a criminal act, the department of health and human services is required to refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

House subcommittee · named February 16, 2026

• Rep. Henry Stone (R) · henry.stone@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Angel Ramirez (D) · angel.ramirez@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Craig Steven Williams (R) · craig.williams@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Blank Childrens Hospital; Iowa Attorney General Dept. of Justice; Iowa County Attorneys Association

In plain words

1. February 16, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 741
2. February 16, 2026House subcommittee named: Stone, Ramirez and Williams · as HSB 741
3. February 18, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 741
4. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 741
5. February 19, 2026Committee vote: 20–0 · as HSB 741
6. February 23, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 23, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2703 · as HSB 741
8. March 5, 2026Withdrawn