91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HSB 566: Establishing the state public defender’s pilot project to implement innovative models of child welfare legal representation as the project to preserve families

Became HF 2356 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

_____ the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. Under current law, the state public defender (SPD) may establish a pilot project to implement innovative models of legal representation to assist families involved in the child welfare system by implementing and studying ways to achieve positive outcomes for families, reduce trauma to young children, and deliver financial benefits to families and their communities. The SPD may implement the pilot project in up to counties throughout the state, and the pilot project expires on June 30, 2025.

Cost

See the fiscal note

5 million annually to the Indigent Defense Fund once the PPF is fully implemented across the State. However, that estimate is compared to current law for FY 2027, in which the pilot program would be expired. The pilot program has been in operation since 2020, …

House subcommittee · named January 15, 2026

Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Blaine C. Watkins (R) · blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D) · beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 0 against

For: Iowa ACEs 360; State Public Defender's Office

In plain words

January 15, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
January 15, 2026House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., Watkins and Wessel-Kroeschell
January 22, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
January 26, 2026Approved by the House committee
January 26, 2026Committee vote: 19–0
February 9, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2356