Bill > HJR9

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa State Constitution that would allow limitations on an accused person's traditional right to confront witnesses in certain circumstances. Specifically, the amendment would permit legal restrictions on confronting witnesses who are either under 18 years old or have a mental illness, intellectual disability, or other developmental disability. This proposed constitutional change aims to provide additional protections for vulnerable witnesses during legal proceedings. The resolution follows standard constitutional amendment procedures, which require referral to the next general assembly for adoption and subsequent publication for three months before being submitted to voters for ratification. By creating this new constitutional provision, the resolution seeks to balance the constitutional right of an accused to confront witnesses with the need to protect children and individuals with certain disabilities from potentially traumatizing or intimidating courtroom interactions.

Judiciary (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HJR9