Bill
Bill > HF915
summary
Introduced
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
In Committee
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to privileged communications between spouses. Under current law, a person cannot be examined in any case as to any communication made between the person and the person’s spouse while the person was married to the spouse. After the marriage relation ends, neither spouse is permitted to reveal in testimony any communication between the spouses made while they were married. Subject to certain provisions of law to the contrary relating to a child’s injuries and criminal prosecutions related to neglect, abandonment, nonsupport, and child endangerment, the bill permits a spouse or former spouse to be examined in such cases, but maintains that the spouse or former spouse cannot be required to be examined. If subpoenaed, a person may assert spousal privilege and refuse to reveal any information relating to a communication between the person and another person made while the person and the other person were married.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding privileged communications between spouses, maintaining the core principle that spouses cannot be compelled to disclose private communications made during their marriage. The bill preserves the longstanding legal protection that prevents a spouse from being forced to testify about confidential communications shared with their partner during the marriage, even after the marriage has ended. Specifically, the legislation allows a spouse or former spouse to be examined in certain cases (such as those involving child injuries or criminal prosecutions related to neglect), but crucially maintains that they cannot be required to provide testimony about marital communications. If subpoenaed, an individual retains the right to assert spousal privilege and decline to reveal any information about communications that occurred during their marriage. This bill essentially codifies existing protections for marital communication privacy while providing some flexibility for specific legal circumstances, ensuring that the sanctity of spousal communications is respected within the legal system.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Judiciary. H.J. 593. (on 03/11/2025)
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=HF915 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF915.html |
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