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Bill > HF2703
IA HF2703
IA HF2703A bill for an act relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse.(Formerly HSB 741.)
summary
Introduced
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
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 expands the authority of peace officers and child protection workers when investigating child abuse allegations. It clarifies that an "interview" with a child for investigative purposes can now be conducted by a peace officer, not just a child protection worker, and can occur at specialized locations like accredited child protection centers or child advocacy centers, with the ability to record any visible evidence of abuse. Furthermore, the bill allows peace officers to interview or observe a child in their home if they have consent from a parent or guardian, or if a juvenile court grants authorization based on probable cause, which is a legal standard indicating a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred. These changes are made to align with existing laws regarding child abuse reporting and assessment.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (House)
Last Action
Withdrawn. H.J. 601. (on 03/05/2026)
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=HF2703 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2703.html |
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