Iowa House Bill HF28

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

A bill for an act related to forgery involving movie prop money, and providing penalties.(See HF 94.)

Impact

The introduction of HF28 is poised to amend Section 715A.1 of the Iowa Code, making it a class D felony to utter movie prop money with the intent to defraud or injure someone. The penalties for this felony include imprisonment for up to five years and substantial fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. This legal update signals a robust stance by the state against fraudulent activities related to entertainment production and commerce, ensuring filmmakers and creators can operate within a safe and legitimate financial environment.

Summary

House File 28 (HF28) introduces a legal framework to address the issue of forgery involving movie prop money. The bill attempts to clarify the definition of 'movie prop money' and establishes penalties for individuals who attempt to use such currency to defraud others. Movie prop money is defined as currency-like products created for use in film or theatrical settings, which can pose challenges if used deceitfully in everyday transactions. The intent behind the bill is to safeguard property and services from fraudulent activities involving deceptive currency representations.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intent to combat forgery, potential points of contention could arise around the enforcement of the new provisions. Critics may argue about the implications for filmmakers and photographers who rely on prop money in their work, expressing concerns over how easily this law could be misinterpreted or over-enforced. Moreover, discussions around the necessity of such legal measures in the context of an industry's specific practices may surface during legislative reviews. Consequently, the implementation of HF28 may warrant further scrutiny from various stakeholders in the film and entertainment sectors.