Bill
Bill > HF317
IA HF317
A bill for an act relating to indigent defense and the appointment of counsel by the court. (Formerly HSB 13.)
summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
03/13/2025
03/13/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
An Act relating to indigent defense and the appointment of counsel by the court.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Iowa Code Section 815.10 regarding legal liability for court-appointed attorneys in indigent defense cases. Currently, these attorneys are only liable for damages if a court determines their ineffective assistance directly caused harm to the client in a criminal, juvenile, or civil proceeding. The bill adds a new provision that any attorney facing an ineffective assistance of counsel accusation will be treated as a state employee under Chapter 669, which means they will receive legal defense and potential indemnification (financial protection) through the state, similar to other government employees. This change provides additional legal protection for court-appointed attorneys who represent clients who cannot afford to hire their own legal representation, potentially making these public defense roles more attractive and secure for legal professionals.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (H)
Last Action
Fiscal note. (on 04/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF317 |
| Fiscal Note - Court-Appointed Attorneys, Tort Claims | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1522420.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGR/91/attachments/HF317.html |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF317.html |
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