IA
Iowa House Bill HF2350

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2350

Introduced
2/7/24  
Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to victims of sexual assault including sexual abuse evidence, notification of rights, HIV-related testing of a convicted or alleged assailant, and testing, reporting, and counseling of a victim, and making penalties applicable.

Summary

House File 2350 aims to enhance the protections and rights of victims of sexual assault in Iowa by making several important amendments to existing laws. One significant change mandates that law enforcement agencies must store sexual assault evidence collection kits for a minimum of 20 years, a substantial increase from the previous requirement of 15 years. This provision also extends to cases involving minor victims, whose kits must be preserved for their lifetime. The bill ensures that victims are notified in writing at least 60 days prior to the intended disposal of any evidence kit, allowing them to request further preservation or analysis of the kit's contents if desired. In addition to evidence preservation, the bill addresses the victims’ information and rights. It requires law enforcement officers to provide comprehensive information regarding victims' rights immediately after a report of sexual assault. This information must include rights related to seeking protective court orders and access to state-funded sexual assault examinations, reinforcing the support offered to victims. Furthermore, the bill indicates that victims have the right to know the status and location of their evidence kits and be informed about the results of any examinations when it won’t compromise ongoing investigations. Another notable aspect of HF2350 involves the HIV testing of alleged offenders. The bill simplifies the process by allowing the county attorney to represent the victim's interests in court, eliminating the need for a petition and hearing in most cases to mandate testing of the convicted or alleged offender. If an offender refuses to submit to testing voluntarily, the court can order testing without additional procedural hurdles. This change aims to expedite the process for victims seeking crucial health information following a sexual assault incident. The impact of HF2350 is expected to reshape how sexual assault cases are handled within Iowa’s legal framework, emphasizing the importance of supporting and informing victims throughout the judicial process. By extending the time limits for evidence retention and clarifying victims’ rights, the bill seeks to provide a stronger legal foundation for addressing sexual violence. However, it may also attract discussions around resource allocation for law enforcement agencies tasked with implementing these extended requirements, highlighting potential challenges in balancing victim support with operational capabilities.

Latest HF2350 Activity

Companion Bills

IA SF2067

Similar To A bill for an act relating to victims of sexual assault including sexual abuse evidence, notification of rights, HIV-related testing of a convicted or alleged assailant, and testing, reporting, and counseling of a victim, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2341.)

IA SF2341

Similar To A bill for an act relating to victims of sexual assault including sexual abuse evidence, notification of rights, HIV-related testing of a convicted or alleged assailant, and testing, reporting, and counseling of a victim, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SF 2067.)

Similar Bills

PA HB1470

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA SB791

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA SB54

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA HB545

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

TX HB2926

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TX HB2301

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IA SF2067

A bill for an act relating to victims of sexual assault including sexual abuse evidence, notification of rights, HIV-related testing of a convicted or alleged assailant, and testing, reporting, and counseling of a victim, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2341.)

IA SF2341

A bill for an act relating to victims of sexual assault including sexual abuse evidence, notification of rights, HIV-related testing of a convicted or alleged assailant, and testing, reporting, and counseling of a victim, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SF 2067.)