IA
Iowa House Bill HF138

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF138

Introduced
1/27/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa rules of criminal procedure including the right to a speedy trial.

Note

HF138 is set to take effect immediately upon enactment and requires the amended rules to be submitted to the legislative council by October 14, 2025. This timeline stipulates oversight and review to ensure that the new provisions align with state legislative goals.

Impact

The implications of HF138 extend to the broader landscape of criminal justice in Iowa. By extending the timeline for bringing a defendant to trial, the bill seeks to reduce the pressure on courts and legal professionals while ensuring that defendants' rights are upheld. The change may facilitate a more thorough examination of cases prior to trial, potentially leading to better legal outcomes. Critics of the existing 90-day rule have often noted that it is too rigid, and the new requirement could provide more realistic timelines for case management.

Summary

House File 138 (HF138) introduces significant changes to the Iowa rules of criminal procedure concerning the right to a speedy trial. The bill mandates that the Iowa Supreme Court amend procedural rules to require defendants to be brought to trial within 120 days after an indictment or a change of venue. This represents an increase from the current requirement of 90 days, providing defendants with additional time to prepare for their cases. The reform aims to address concerns about trial delays, which can impact the fairness and efficiency of the judicial process.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed as a positive reform for the rights of defendants, there may be concerns about the potential for extended pre-trial detention. Critics could argue that the added time might create opportunities for delays that could disadvantage victims and prolong the resolution of criminal cases. Furthermore, stakeholders in the legal community may have differing opinions on whether the changes are necessary or effective in improving the judicial process.

Latest IA HF138 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HF138

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF523

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including defense subpoenas, depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 204.)

IA HSB156

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including defense subpoenas, depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 644.)

IA SF204

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including defense subpoenas, depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 523.)

IA HF644

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including depositions, conditional guilty pleas, prosecution witnesses who are minors, and juror qualifications, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 156.) Effective date: Enactment, 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SF2325

A bill for an act relating to city civil service employees and related procedures and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 457, SF 231.)

IA SF525

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including the disclosure of a defendant's privileged records, no-contact orders, commencement limitations for certain sexual offenses, sexually predatory offenses, victim rights, discovery, postconviction relief actions, criminal appeals, and pretrial bond amounts for certain felonies. (Formerly SF 233.)

IA SF233

A bill for an act relating to criminal law including the disclosure of a defendant's privileged records, no-contact orders, commencement limitations for certain sexual offenses, sexually predatory offenses, victim rights, discovery, postconviction relief actions, criminal appeals, and pretrial bond amounts for certain felonies.(See SF 525.)

IA SSB3085

A bill for an act creating a capital murder offense by establishing the penalty of death for murder in the first degree, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF510

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa human life protection Act, providing for civil actions and civil penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2264

A bill for an act relating to criminal identification and criminal history and intelligence data, including fingerprints and palm prints.(Formerly SSB 3017.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.