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Bill > SF415
IA SF415
A bill for an act relating to false accusations of a criminal act, and providing penalties.
summary
Introduced
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
In Committee
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to false accusations of a criminal act. Current law provides that a person who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur, commits a class “D” felony if the alleged criminal act reported is a forcible felony, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, an act of terrorism, unlawful possession of biological agents or diseases, or any arson offense. The bill provides that a person who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur, commits a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. The bill provides that any person who continues to make allegations of an alleged occurrence of a criminal act after the allegations are proven to be false may be charged with malicious prosecution under Code section 720.6, which the bill changes from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540.
AI Summary
This bill expands and modifies existing Iowa law regarding false criminal accusations. Currently, making false reports about specific serious crimes was a class "D" felony, but this bill broadens the provision to make any knowingly false criminal report a class "D" felony, which carries potential consequences of up to five years in confinement and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that allows prosecution for malicious prosecution if an individual continues to make allegations after those allegations have been proven false. The bill also changes the classification of malicious prosecution from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor, which can result in up to two years of confinement and a fine between $855 and $8,540. These changes aim to discourage false criminal accusations by establishing more comprehensive legal consequences for individuals who knowingly make untrue claims about criminal acts.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends passage. (on 03/05/2025)
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=SF415 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF415.html |
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