HSB 49: Relating to the place of trial for certain criminal offenses

What it does

This bill relates to the place of trial for certain criminal offenses. The bill provides that if the county in which an offense was committed cannot be readily determined, trial of the offense shall be held in the county of residence of the victim. If there is no victim, the victim is not a resident of this state, or the residence of the victim cannot be established, trial shall be held in the county of residence of the person charged with the offense. If the victim is not a natural person, venue for trial of the offense is proper in any county where the victim has a physical presence. If there is more than one victim, trial may be held in any county in which a victim resides with the county of residence of a natural person taking priority over the county of residence of other victims.

House subcommittee · named January 21, 2025

• Rep. Jeff Shipley (R) · jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Ken Croken (D) · ken.croken@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 6 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Attorney General Dept. of Justice; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance; Iowa State Bar Association; Soaring Hearts

In plain words

1. January 21, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 21, 2025House subcommittee named: Shipley, Croken, Thomson and C
3. January 30, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 25, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 25, 2025Committee vote: 21–0
6. February 28, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 647