Iowa Senate Bill SSB1170

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to persons authorized to receive a copy of a written accident report filed by a law enforcement officer.(See SF 490.)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify Section 321.271 of the Iowa Code, allowing for a more streamlined process in which various parties can request accident reports without significant barriers. The proposed legislation will likely ease access for individuals seeking clarity and resolution following motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, it aims to ensure that insurance companies and legal representatives can obtain necessary documentation to expedite claims and legal processes related to accidents.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1170 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the access and distribution of written accident reports filed by law enforcement officers in Iowa. The primary objective of the bill is to broaden the list of individuals and entities authorized to receive copies of these reports. Under the proposed changes, parties involved in an accident, their insurance companies, attorneys, and certain government agencies would be able to request copies of these reports, provided they pay a nominal fee. This expansion is intended to enhance accessibility to important legal documents related to accident investigations.

Contention

While the bill is designed to improve access to accident reports, potential points of contention may arise regarding concerns around privacy and the handling of sensitive information. Opponents of broader access could argue that allowing more entities to acquire these reports may lead to misuse or exposure of personal data contained within the reports. Moreover, the bill does not apply to reports not retained by the law enforcement agency, which may generate discussions about the implications of such exclusions on transparency and accountability within law enforcement practices.