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Bills › 91st General Assembly

SF 415Died when the session ended · March 5, 2025

Relating to false accusations of a criminal act, and providing penalties

Sponsored by Sen. Doug Campbell (R), Sen. Jesse Green (R), Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R)

Topics:Crime & corrections

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Official bill pageLobbyist declarationsOne-pager to print

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedFebruary 24, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 25, 2025
  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 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 People who lie to the police about a crime happening would now face a felony charge, regardless of how serious the reported crime was. If someone keeps making false claims after they are proven untrue, they could face a more serious misdemeanor charge for malicious prosecution. These changes affect anyone who makes false reports of criminal activity.1

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to false accusations of a criminal act. Current law provides that a person who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur, commits a class “D” felony if the alleged criminal act reported is a forcible felony, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, an act of terrorism, unlawful possession of biological agents or diseases, or any arson offense. The bill provides that a person who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur, commits a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.6, 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.

Full bill text2

Senate subcommittee

Named February 25, 2025. On March 5, 2025 it recommended passage.

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

How the Code works3

Lobbying

1 for · 0 against · 1 undecided · Who →

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