Relating to false accusations of criminal acts, and providing penalties

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 29, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 4, 2026
3. ✕
   Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
4. Next: Passes the Senate
5. Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the House
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to false accusations of criminal acts. Current law provides that a person who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur, commits a serious misdemeanor or a class “D” felony depending on the nature of the alleged offense. The bill provides that any person who continues to make allegations of an alleged occurrence of a criminal act after the allegations are proven to be false may be charged with malicious prosecution under Code section 720.6, which the bill changes from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

Senate subcommittee

Named February 4, 2026. It hasn’t reported yet.

• Sen. Jason Schultz REmail
• Sen. Matt Blake DEmail
• Sen. Mike Bousselot REmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§718.6§720.6

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Similar bills

• SF 415 Relating to false accusations of a criminal act, and providing penalties
  91st General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage
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Matched by the wording of each bill’s explanation, or an identical title. Companion bills and renumbered versions of this bill aren’t listed; they’re the same bill.