Relating to testimony by a minor witness using two-way, closed-circuit equipment

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 17, 2025
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 17, 2025
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 24, 2025
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 12, 202595–1
5. Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 602 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 602 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to testimony by a minor witness using two-way, closed-circuit equipment. The bill provides that a court may protect a minor from trauma caused by testifying in the physical presence of a defendant where it would impair the minor’s ability to communicate, by ordering that the testimony of the minor be taken in a room other than the courtroom. The testimony will be televised by two-way, closed-circuit equipment with both audio and video feeds for listening and viewing in the courtroom. Current law does not specify that the closed-circuit H.F. _____ equipment have two-way capabilities.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named February 6, 2025. On February 18, 2025 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Judd Lawler REmail
• Rep. Steven C. Holt REmail
• Rep. Lindsay James DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§915.38

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.