HSB 616: Relating to the payment of pecuniary damages, restitution, and prosecution costs

What it does

This bill relates to the payment of pecuniary damages, restitution, and prosecution costs. The bill provides that notwithstanding any other statute or rule of law, with the consent of the defendant and the prosecuting attorney, the court may order as part of the dismissal of a public offense that the defendant pay pecuniary damages to the victim, category “B” restitution, which shall include court costs, and prosecution costs.

House subcommittee · named January 22, 2026

• Rep. Steven C. Holt (R) · steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D) · sean.bagniewski@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Blaine C. Watkins (R) · blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 2 against

For: Iowa County Attorneys Association

Against: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Iowa Association for Justice

In plain words

1. January 22, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 22, 2026House subcommittee named: Holt, Bagniewski and Watkins
3. January 28, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 19, 2026Committee vote: 19–1
6. February 23, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2697