Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB259

Introduced

2/26/25

Refer

2/26/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to judicial branch administration, including judicial officer residency, remote proceedings, court reporter supervision and duties, and civil pleadings availability.(See HF 956.)

Impact

The bill also introduces provisions for conducting court proceedings remotely, which aligns with contemporary practices that have gained prominence due to technological advancements and public health considerations. By permitting remote proceedings, HSB259 seeks to improve accessibility and efficiency within the judicial process, potentially reducing delays and increasing participation from the public. This shift may significantly impact how cases are handled, especially in rural areas where access to physical court facilities can be a challenge.

Summary

House Study Bill 259 (HSB259) addresses administrative changes within the judicial branch of Iowa. Key provisions of the bill include modifications to residency requirements for judicial officers, allowing district judges, magistrates, and associate judges to reside in contiguous counties, which aims to create greater flexibility in judicial assignments. This change is seen as a response to the ongoing needs of the judicial system, enabling a broader range of candidates for judicial positions and enhancing the efficiency of court administration.

Contention

Moreover, HSB259 revises the appointment and supervision processes for court reporters, transferring more authority to the chief judges of judicial districts. This move is intended to streamline operations and clarify reporting duties within the judicial framework. However, it may raise concerns among existing court reporters regarding job security and the implications of centralized control over their roles. The changes introduced in this bill signify an effort to modernize the judicial branch while also inviting scrutiny regarding their potential effects on court reporting standards and practices.

Latest IA HSB259 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB259

Companion Bills

IA SSB1200

Related A bill for an act relating to judicial branch administration, including judicial officer residency, remote proceedings, court reporter supervision and duties, and civil pleadings availability.

IA HF956

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to judicial branch administration, including judicial officer residency, judicial officer retirement age, remote proceedings, court reporter supervision and duties, and civil pleadings availability, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 259.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3203

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund and membership of district judicial nominating commissions, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2436.)

IA HSB250

A bill for an act relating to the judicial branch, including appropriations to the judicial branch, apportionment of district associate judges, video recordings, noncontract attorney appointment, and contracting authority.(See HF 728.)

IA SF2436

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3203.) Effective date: 06/21/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HF2695

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, and including effective date provisions.

IA SSB3190

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, and including effective date provisions.

IA SSB1215

A bill for an act relating to appropriations to the judicial branch.(See SF 563.)

IA HF728

IA SF563

IA HF468

A bill for an act concerning judicial branch administration, including mental health advocates, access to and confidentiality of juror information, contracting authority, apportionment of district associate judges, remote testimony and video recordings, and access to criminal history records.(Formerly HSB 141; See HF 2247.)

IA SF2317

A bill for an act relating to state and district judicial nominating commissions and county magistrate appointing commissions.