HF 668: Relating to immunity from criminal or civil liability in cases involving the justifiable use of reasonable force

What it does

The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill relates to immunity from criminal or civil liability in cases involving the justifiable use of reasonable force. Under current law, a person who is justified in using reasonable force against an aggressor in defense of the person’s self, another person, or property is immune from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred. The bill provides that there shall be a presumption that the person reasonably believed that such use of force was necessary to defend the person, another person, or property from what the person reasonably believed to be the use of or imminent use of unlawful force by another person.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

• Rep. Steven C. Holt (R) · steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D) · beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 1 against

For: Iowa Gun Owners; VALOR Iowa

Against: Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa

In plain words

1. February 28, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Holt, Wessel-Kroeschell and Wheeler
3. February 11, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 19, 2026Committee vote: 15–5
6. February 23, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2693