IA SF2416

Bill

A bill for an act relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse.(Formerly SSB 3167.)

Introduced
02/19/2026

In Committee

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse. The bill allows peace officers to conduct an interview with a child for the purpose of a child abuse investigation, and allows a child protection worker or peace officer to conduct an interview at a location including but not limited to an accredited child protection center or child advocacy center, and record visible evidence of abuse during an interview. Under current law, if an allegation of child abuse alleges a child has been harmed by a criminal act, the department of health and human services is required to refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The bill allows a peace officer to visit the home of the child for an interview or observation if the peace officer obtained consent from the child’s parent or guardian to interview or observe the child in the child’s home, or the juvenile court, upon a showing of probable cause, authorized the peace officer to interview or observe the child in the child’s home. The bill makes conforming changes to Code section 232.68 (child abuse reporting, assessment, and rehabilitation —— definitions).

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing laws concerning child abuse investigations to allow peace officers to conduct interviews with children suspected of being victims of abuse, and expands the locations where such interviews can occur to include accredited child protection centers or child advocacy centers, which are facilities specifically designed to support children in these situations. The bill also permits child protection workers or peace officers to record any visible evidence of abuse observed during an interview. Furthermore, it clarifies that if a child abuse report involves a criminal act causing harm to a child, a peace officer can visit the child's home for an interview or observation, provided they have consent from the child's parent or guardian, or if a court grants authorization based on probable cause, meaning there is a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred. These changes aim to streamline and improve the process of investigating child abuse allegations, ensuring children can be interviewed effectively and safely.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Judiciary (Senate)

Last Action

Committee report, approving bill. S.J. 337. (on 02/19/2026)

Official Document

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2416

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2416
BillText	https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2416.html

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
HF2703	A bill for an act relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse.(Formerly HSB 741.)	Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 381.	Similar To
HSB741	A bill for an act relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse.(See HF 2703.)	Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2703.	Related
SSB3167	A bill for an act relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse.(See SF 2416.)	Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 2416.	Related

Bill > SF2416

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Sponsors (0)

Other Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary