HF 945: Providing for a hearing to determine immunity from criminal or civil liability following a use of reasonable force in defense of one’s self, others, or property

What it does

This bill provides for a hearing to determine immunity from criminal or civil liability following a use of reasonable force in defense of one’s self, others, or property. Current law provides for immunity from criminal or civil liability for all damages caused by a person justified in using reasonable force in defense of the person, another person, or property. The bill provides that a defendant in a criminal action may file a motion asserting immunity not less than days before trial. The court shall conduct a pretrial hearing to determine whether the defendant is immune.

Senate subcommittee · named March 27, 2025

• Sen. Jason Schultz (R) · jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Dan Dawson (R) · dan.dawson@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Izaah Knox (D) · izaah.knox@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 7 against

For: Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Firearms Coalition, Inc.; Iowa Gun Owners; Iowa Minuteman Civil Defense Corps; National Rifle Association of America

Against: Dubuque Coalition for Nonviolence (CNV); Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance; Iowans for Gun Safety; League of Women Voters of Iowa; Soaring Hearts

In plain words

1. February 19, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 213
2. February 19, 2025House subcommittee named: Holt, Olson and Wheeler · as HSB 213
3. February 26, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 213
4. March 6, 2025Approved by the House committee · as HSB 213
5. March 6, 2025Committee vote: 17–4 · as HSB 213
6. March 12, 2025Filed in the House
7. March 12, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 945 · as HSB 213
8. March 24, 2025Passed the House, 89–6
9. March 25, 2025Arrived in the Senate
10. March 27, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Schultz, Dawson and Knox