91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026
SF 2161: Defining coercive control and including it in the definition of domestic abuse
Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.
What it does
This bill defines coercive control and includes it within the meaning of domestic abuse. By operation of law, a temporary protective order or a protective order requiring a defendant to cease domestic abuse of a plaintiff will require the defendant to cease engaging in coercive control of the plaintiff. The bill defines “coercive control” as a pattern of behavior that is used to cause an individual to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological harm, and, in purpose or effect, unreasonably interferes with the individual’s free will and personal liberty.
Sponsors
Sen. Scott Webster (R)
Cost
No fiscal note
Senate subcommittee · named February 4, 2026
- Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
- Sen. Adrian Dickey (R) · adrian.dickey@legis.iowa.gov
- Sen. Janet Petersen (D) · janet.petersen@legis.iowa.gov
Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against
For: VALOR Iowa
In plain words
- January 29, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
- February 4, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Webster, Dickey and Petersen
- February 17, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
From public records at legis.iowa.gov, compiled by Funnel (iowafunnel.com), an independent, nonpartisan site. Current as of Monday, November 9, 2026. https://iowafunnel.com/bills/91/SF2161