HSB 36: Relating to investigative procedure, including the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case

What it does

This bill relates to investigative procedure, including the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case. DIVISION I —— PRESERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.10 (gathering and preservation of sexual abuse evidence collection kits), all biological evidence collected involving a felony or aggravated misdemeanor in an agency’s possession or control shall be preserved and stored by the agency as follows: for cases resulting in a conviction or a deferred judgment, the biological evidence shall be retained for the latter of years from the date the defendant’s conviction becomes final or the period of time that the defendant or a codefendant remains in custody; and for cases not resulting in a conviction, the biological evidence shall be preserved and stored until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the alleged offense.

House subcommittee · named January 17, 2025

• Rep. Judd Lawler (R) · judd.lawler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Rick L. Olson (D) · rick.olson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 7 for, 1 against

For: Americans For Prosperity; Innocence Project; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance; Soaring Hearts

Against: Iowa County Attorneys Association

In plain words

1. January 17, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 17, 2025House subcommittee named: Lawler, Olson, Thomson and C
3. February 13, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it