IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF2067

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2067

Introduced
1/17/24  
Introduced
1/17/24  

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.(See SF 2341.)

Impact

In terms of its impact on state laws, SF2067 modifies existing statutes related to the processing and management of evidence in sexual assault cases. It requires law enforcement agencies to notify victims 60 days prior to the intended disposal of sexual assault kits, allowing victims opportunities to request further preservation or analysis of the kits. Additionally, it simplifies the legal process for victims to obtain court-ordered HIV testing of their suspected assailants by removing prior petition and hearing requirements, thus expediting the response to victims' health concerns following an assault.

Summary

Senate File 2067 aims to enhance the rights and protections for victims of sexual assault in Iowa. It addresses various aspects of victim care, including the preservation and handling of sexual assault evidence collection kits, the notification of victims' rights, and provisions for HIV-related testing of alleged assailants. A significant change this bill proposes is the extension of the mandatory storage period for evidence collection kits, lengthening it from 15 years to 20 years, or for the lifetime of a minor victim, regardless of whether a criminal complaint is filed. This amendment is designed to ensure that victims have more time to decide whether to pursue legal action.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill likely revolve around privacy concerns and the responsibilities imposed on law enforcement and health care providers. Some critics may argue that mandatory HIV testing of alleged offenders without prior consent presents ethical dilemmas. Moreover, while advocates praise the bill for empowering victims and enhancing their rights, opponents may raise concerns about the potential implications for due process rights of the alleged offenders. The balance between victim rights and the legal protections afforded to the accused is a complex and sensitive aspect of this legislation.

Latest SF2067 Activity

Companion Bills

IA HF2350

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.

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

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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 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.

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.

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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.)

IA HF2350

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.