HSB 651: Establishing a criminal offense for written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, and providing penalties

What it does

This bill establishes a criminal offense for written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. The bill provides that it is unlawful for a person to send, post, or transmit, or procure the sending, posting, or transmission of, a writing or other record, including an H.F. _____ electronic record, in any manner in which it may be viewed by another person, when in such writing or record the person makes a threat to kill or cause bodily harm to another person, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. A person who commits a violation of the bill commits a class “C” felony. A class “C” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than years and a fine of at least $1,370 but not more than $13,660.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

• Rep. Sam Wengryn (R) · sam.wengryn@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Christian A. Hermanson (R) · christian.hermanson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Elinor A. Levin (D) · elinor.levin@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Police Chief Association (FKA Iowa Police Executive Forum); VALOR Iowa

In plain words

1. February 3, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Wengryn, Hermanson and Levin
3. February 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 11, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 11, 2026Committee vote: 15–8
6. February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2535