Iowa House Bill HF501

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/23
• Refer: 2/28/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the preservation of biological evidence collected in relation to a criminal investigation, testimony by an incarcerated witness, and postconviction access to investigative files in a criminal case.

Impact

The bill also includes provisions for the management of testimony from incarcerated witnesses, mandating that prosecuting attorneys disclose their intent to utilize such testimony at least ninety days before trial. The defense must receive comprehensive information concerning the witness's criminal history, any benefits provided for their testimony, and details of any statements made by the suspect. This measure aims to increase the transparency and reliability of witness testimony in court, potentially reducing wrongful convictions based on unreliable witness accounts.

Summary

House File 501 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the preservation of biological evidence in criminal investigations, the use of testimony provided by incarcerated witnesses, and ensuring postconviction access to investigative files. The bill stipulates that all biological evidence collected involving a felony or aggravated misdemeanor must be preserved for no less than twenty years after a conviction or until all defendants involved remain in custody. This ensures that incriminating or exculpatory evidence is not prematurely destroyed, allowing for future DNA testing and potential new trials if new evidence emerges.

Contention

Notably, there is potential contention surrounding the provisions that outline when biological evidence can be disposed of, posing the risk of injury to defendants' rights if evidence is prematurely discarded. Additionally, the transparency required from prosecuting attorneys about incarcerated witnesses could be perceived as a burden, possibly leading to debates over the balance between effective prosecution and fairness in the legal process. Critics may argue that these changes could delay prosecutions or complicate ongoing cases, particularly as they relate to the disclosure of sensitive information regarding witness benefits.