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Bill > HF2571
IA HF2571
IA HF2571A bill for an act relating to the Iowa rules of criminal procedure including commitment hearings following an acquittal based on insanity.(Formerly HSB 632.)
summary
Introduced
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the Iowa rules of criminal procedure including commitment hearings following an acquittal based on insanity. The bill provides a list of factors a court must consider in determining whether a defendant continues to be mentally ill and dangerous to the defendant’s self or others. The bill states that the absence of recent overt acts of dangerousness shall not, by itself, be the sole determining factor in assessing whether the defendant poses a risk to the defendant’s self or others. The factors include the original offense, behavioral history, psychiatric history and current mental status, substance use disorder history, institutional behavior and independent functioning, environmental influences, and expert testimony and risk assessment reports. The revised rules of criminal procedure shall be submitted for legislative council review no later than October 14, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that when a court decides if a defendant acquitted of a crime due to insanity is still a danger to themselves or others, it must consider a comprehensive list of factors beyond just recent actions. These factors include the original offense, the defendant's past behavior and psychiatric history, any history of substance use disorders, how they behave in structured environments and their ability to function independently, external influences that might affect their behavior, and expert opinions from mental health professionals. Importantly, the bill clarifies that if a defendant hasn't shown recent dangerous behavior, this alone shouldn't be the only reason to believe they are not a risk, especially if their good behavior is due to being in a highly controlled setting. The revised rules of criminal procedure, which will incorporate these changes, must be presented for legislative review by October 14, 2026.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 317. (on 02/17/2026)
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=HF2571 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2571.html |
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