Iowa Senate Bill SF340

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/18/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to no-contact orders and electronic tracking and monitoring systems.

Impact

Should this bill pass, it will amend existing laws relating to the enforcement of no-contact orders, imposing stricter requirements on those who violate such orders. Courts will be required to inform defendants during their initial appearances about the possibility of electronic monitoring, emphasizing that the associated costs will fall to the defendants. This shift aims to create a more robust legal framework for accountability, ensuring that those violating protective measures are monitored closely, thereby enhancing the overall protection of vulnerable individuals.

Summary

Senate File 340 seeks to enhance the enforcement of no-contact orders by incorporating mandatory electronic tracking and monitoring systems for defendants. The bill stipulates that defendants may be required to wear electronic devices that track their movements within a designated protective zone, defined as a 1,000-foot radius around the protected individual's residence or workplace. This initiative aims to improve the safety of protected parties, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, by providing immediate alerts to both the victim and law enforcement agencies if the defendant enters the protective zone.

Contention

The introduction of SF340 has sparked debate among stakeholders regarding its implications for civil liberties and the practical enforcement of electronic monitoring. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to deter violators and ensure the safety of victims. Critics, however, express concerns about the financial burden on defendants, potential privacy violations, and the reliability of electronic monitoring technology. Moreover, there are apprehensions about how these measures would be implemented operationally, including issues of resource allocation for law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring compliance.