SF 2157: Relating to malicious prosecution arising from civil actions between private parties

What it does

This bill relates to malicious prosecution arising from civil actions between private parties. The bill defines “malice” as the initiation of a civil action for a primary purpose other than securing a proper adjudication of the claim, and “probable cause” as the existence of reasonably known facts and law that would lead a reasonable person to believe, in good faith, that the civil action was legally and factually justified at the time the civil action was initiated. The bill authorizes a person a bring a civil action for malicious prosecution against a private party who initiated or caused to be initiated a civil action against the person.

House subcommittee · named March 3, 2026

• Rep. Judd Lawler (R) · judd.lawler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Rick L. Olson (D) · rick.olson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Blaine C. Watkins (R) · blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 0 for, 3 against

Against: Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowa State Bar Association; Reforging Families

In plain words

1. January 29, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 4, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Bousselot, Blake and Webster
3. February 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
5. February 24, 2026Passed the Senate, 29–17
6. February 25, 2026Arrived in the House
7. March 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Lawler, Olson and Watkins
8. March 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it