HSB 35: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses

What it does

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses. The resolution provides that in order to protect children under the age of and any witness with a mental illness, intellectual disability, or other developmental disability, the right of an accused to confront such witnesses may be limited by law. The resolution, if adopted, would be published and then referred to the next general assembly (92nd) for adoption, before being submitted to the electorate for ratification.

House subcommittee · named January 16, 2025

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Lindsay James (D) · lindsay.james@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 22 for, 2 against

For: Blank Childrens Hospital; Exceptional Persons, Inc.; Imagine the Possibilities; Iowa Association of Community Providers; Iowa Attorney General Dept. of Justice; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association; and 10 more

Against: Iowa Association for Justice; Kurtis Bower

In plain words

1. January 16, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 16, 2025House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., James and Wheeler
3. January 22, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 24, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 24, 2025Committee vote: 18–3
6. February 25, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HJR 9