Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to civil procedure, including disclosures that may be made to the jury and the availability of certain medical records
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedMarch 4, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeMarch 4, 2025
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary If someone sues for injuries, they must provide evidence of their medical costs, or the other side can present that information to the jury instead. People suing for pain or emotional distress cannot refuse to share their mental or physical health records with the other side. The person suing is responsible for proving that certain medical records are not relevant to the case. Additionally, the jury can now see details about lost wages and disability benefits when deciding on financial losses.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to civil procedure, including disclosures that may be made to a jury and the availability of certain medical records. The bill allows the adverse party to present evidence of the plaintiff’s medical expenses if the plaintiff fails to offer evidence to prove the medical expenses. The bill allows mental and physical condition records held in a professional capacity to be discoverable by the adverse party by written request to the plaintiff. The plaintiff cannot refuse to waive confidentiality of those records if the plaintiff is claiming physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, loss of full body and mind, or emotional distress. The plaintiff has the burden of proof that the information sought is not relevant to the subject matter of the action and reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. _____ The bill expands the disclosure available to the jury of actual economic losses as a result from the injury to also include past lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.
House subcommittee
Named March 4, 2025. Meeting: Wednesday, March 5 · 12:15 PM · House Lounge.
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
Lobbying
2 for · 7 against · 4 undecided · Who →
Tried before
This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.
- HSB 511 HSB 51190th General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage · similarCleared committee
Matched by wording or an identical title.