Bills › 91st General Assembly
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses
Proposed by the Attorney General · all agency proposals
Constitutional amendment Passed once; must pass the next General Assembly →
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 28, 2025
- Done: Approved in committeeFebruary 26, 2025
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 19, 2025
- Done: Passes the HouseApril 17, 2025
- Now: Passes again next General AssemblyThe same wording, after an election
- Next: Voters decideOn the next general election ballot
Passed both chambers A constitutional amendment must pass two General Assemblies in a row, then be approved by voters. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary If passed, this change to the Iowa Constitution would allow the law to limit how a person accused of a crime questions certain witnesses. This rule would specifically apply to children under 18 and witnesses with mental illnesses or disabilities.1
Read the official explanation
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses. The resolution provides that in order to protect children under the age of 18 and any witness with a mental illness, intellectual disability, or other developmental disability, the right of an accused to confront such witnesses may be limited by law. The resolution, if adopted, would be published and then referred to the next general assembly (92nd) for adoption, before being submitted to the electorate for ratification.
Why it matters. If adopted, this amendment would allow the law to limit the right of an accused person to confront children or witnesses with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disabilities. This change would affect people involved in criminal court cases and the legal processes used to protect certain witnesses.2
Senate subcommittee
Named January 28, 2025 (as SSB 1057). On February 13, 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
1 written public comment to its subcommittee: January 22, 2025 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Lobbying
22 for · 2 against · 4 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly