Bill > HF573

This bill modifies Iowa's legal procedures for involuntary commitment and hospitalization proceedings, focusing on improving jurisdictional clarity and law enforcement capabilities. The bill amends existing statutes to specify that verified applications for involuntary commitment can be filed with any district court, and if the application is filed in a county where the respondent does not reside, the court must transfer jurisdiction to the county where the respondent is located or resides. The legislation also expands law enforcement's authority, explicitly allowing peace officers to take a respondent into custody in any county to facilitate placement in a hospital or treatment facility in accordance with court orders. Additionally, the bill requires hospital or facility medical officers to inform law enforcement if a respondent leaves without authorization, and mandates that law enforcement exercise "due diligence" to take the respondent into custody and return them to the appropriate facility. These changes aim to streamline the involuntary commitment process, ensure proper jurisdictional handling, and provide clearer guidance for law enforcement and medical facilities when dealing with individuals subject to involuntary commitment orders.

Justice

Judiciary (H)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF573