Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF724

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the duties of fire officials and reports of fires and emergency responses.

Impact

One significant outcome of HF724 is the inclusion of fire department personnel in the definition of criminal or juvenile justice agencies, giving them greater authority to access personal information from state records as needed during investigations. Additionally, the bill repeals a former code section regarding reports of fires and emergency responses, potentially simplifying reporting processes for fire departments. By streamlining these procedures, supporters aim to improve the efficiency of fire investigations and ensure that all necessary factors are thoroughly examined when a fire occurs.

Summary

House File 724, introduced by Lawler, aims to amend existing legislation regarding the duties of fire officials and the handling of reports concerning fires and emergency responses. The bill specifies that the chief of the fire department or their designee in every city or township with an established fire department must investigate the cause and circumstances of every fire resulting in property damage or bodily injury. The investigations are to assess whether fires were caused by natural factors, negligence, or intentional actions. This change is intended to enhance accountability and clarity in fire investigations in Iowa.

Contention

The bill could face contention regarding privacy concerns related to the expanded access to personal information by fire officials. Opponents might argue that this shift could pose risks of misuse of sensitive data, thus undermining public trust. Additionally, critics may express concerns that such legislation might prioritize administrative efficiency at the potential expense of residents' rights, particularly in contexts where personal data is involved. The discussions around HF724 highlight the need for a balance between thorough fire investigations and safeguarding individual privacy rights.

Companion Bills

IA SF451

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the duties of fire officials and reports of fires and emergency responses.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB711

A bill for an act relating to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities associated with the budget, financial control, and information technology, making penalties applicable, and making appropriations.

IA HSB695

A bill for an act relating to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities associated with the budget, financial control, and information technology, making penalties applicable, and making appropriations.(See HF 2622, HF 2708.)

IA SSB3173

A bill for an act relating to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities associated with the budget, financial control, and information technology, making penalties applicable, and making appropriations.(See SF 2375, SF 2409.)

IA HF2622

A bill for an act relating to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities associated with the budget, financial control, and information technology, making penalties applicable, and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 695; See HF 2708.)

IA HF2159

A bill for an act relating to reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms.

IA HF2708

A bill for an act relating to the powers, duties, and responsibilities of state government entities associated with the budget, financial control, and information technology, making penalties applicable, and making appropriations. (Formerly HF 2622, HSB 695.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2215

A bill for an act relating to the reporting of serious reportable events, and providing penalties.

IA HSB709

A bill for an act relating to law enforcement officers and reserve peace officers, including the revocation or suspension of certification by the Iowa law enforcement academy council, administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, and communications in professional confidence, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2078

A bill for an act relating to civil liability of sports officials, providing criminal penalties for assault of sports officials, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HSB738

A bill for an act relating to law enforcement, including the enforcement of state, local, and municipal laws at regents institutions, personal injury or illness of a peace officer employed by a regents institution, the revocation or suspension of a law enforcement officer's or reserve peace officer's certification, administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, and communications in professional confidence.

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CA AB31

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CA AB718

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