Bill

Bill > HF705


IA HF705

IA HF705
A bill for an act establishing a grant program for a nonprofit organization providing sexual assault forensic examination centers.(Formerly HF 458.)


summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill establishes a grant program in the department of justice for a nonprofit organization providing sexual assault forensic examination centers. The bill requires that the attorney general contract with an eligible nonprofit organization to operate and maintain sexual assault forensic examination centers in the state. The contract may be terminated by the attorney general after a hearing upon written notice and for good cause. The bill provides that a nonprofit organization must comply with all of the following to be eligible for a contract under this section: be a nonprofit organization incorporated in the state; employ or otherwise retain services from sexual assault nurse examiners; and maintain, or be in the process of establishing, one or more treatment facilities in the state that are primarily dedicated to providing a diverse range of services to sexual assault survivors, including but not limited to medical forensic services; provide services for sexual assault survivors, including providing sexual assault care and related trainings, as the overall primary purpose of the organization. The bill provides that a contracting nonprofit organization shall: provide services, including medical forensic services, to sexual assault survivors including adults, children, persons with disabilities, rural Iowans, and other underserved populations; provide or facilitate trainings to medical practitioners regarding the provision of medical forensic services; provide or facilitate trainings to law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys regarding sexual assault services; provide or facilitate trainings to members of the public regarding sexual assault services and sexual assault prevention; provide a cooperative team approach regarding sexual assault services and establish an approach that emphasizes the best interests of the sexual assault survivor; involve or consult with persons from various professional disciplines who have training and expertise in addressing special types of sexual assault; and submit an annual report to the attorney general describing the services and trainings that have been provided. The bill provides that a contracting nonprofit organization may seek funding or reimbursement from other sources including but not limited to charging for attendance at trainings. The contract shall provide general funding as reimbursement toward the contracting nonprofit organization’s overall operating expenditures. The bill provides that a contracting nonprofit organization is not a state agency for the purposes of Code chapter 8A, subchapter IV, or Code chapter 20 or 669.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a grant program within the Iowa Department of Justice to support a nonprofit organization dedicated to operating sexual assault forensic examination centers. The bill requires the attorney general to contract with a qualifying nonprofit organization that meets specific criteria, including being incorporated in Iowa, employing sexual assault nurse examiners, and maintaining treatment facilities primarily serving sexual assault survivors. The contracted organization must provide comprehensive services to survivors of all ages and backgrounds, including medical forensic services, and offer training to medical practitioners, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public about sexual assault services and prevention. The organization must take a collaborative, survivor-centered approach, involving professionals from various disciplines to address complex sexual assault cases. The bill stipulates that the nonprofit can seek additional funding sources and will receive general funding to support its operating expenses. Importantly, the contracted organization will not be considered a state agency for certain administrative and legal purposes. The contract can be terminated by the attorney general after a hearing and with good cause, ensuring accountability while supporting critical services for sexual assault survivors.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Public Safety (House)

Last Action

Pursuant to Rule 31.7, referred to Appropriations. H.J. 337. (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...