Capitol Notebook: Two-way video testimony for children in court approved by Iowa House

DES MOINES — Minor witnesses could testify in a different room using two-way, closed circuit equipment under legislation advanced, 95-1, in the Iowa House on Wednesday.

House File 602 would allow minors who are witnesses to crimes to testify using CCTV instead of inside the courtroom in front of their accused abusers.

This topic arose in the legislature after a 2024 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court in the State of Iowa v. Derek Michael White. The court ruled it is unconstitutional for the accused not to be able to face their accuser in court.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird took up this issue in December, announcing a proposal to amend the Iowa Constitution to allow for remote minor testimony. Bird argues that the amendment is needed to protect children from being re-traumatized when facing their abuser in court.

Amending the Iowa Constitution requires multiple steps, including approval from two consecutive Iowa General Assemblies and then a popular vote in a general election.

Rep. Judd Lawler, R-Tiffin, said the legislation would safeguard minor witnesses from potential trauma.

“This measure is intended to ensure that the minor can communicate effectively without the distress of facing the defendant,” he said.

Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, supported the bill but questioned its standing as the legislature has yet to vote on Bird’s proposal.

Professional right-to-carry permits proposal expanded

Legislation that would provide professional right-to-carry permits for judicial officers and members of the Attorney General’s Office was expanded during debate in the Iowa House on Wednesday to also allow the same for state lawmakers. They would be allowed to carry a firearm anywhere in the state at all times, including on the grounds of a school.

When issuing a permit, the sheriff of the issuing county may require a judicial officer, member of the Attorney General's Office or state lawmaker to complete a proficiency examination. The standards for a proficiency examination shall not exceed the standards required of an Iowa law enforcement officer.

In addition, the Iowa Supreme Court may impose additional training or other requirements on judicial officers who hold a permit issued under the bill.

The bill, House File 530, passed the Iowa House with a vote of 79-17, with 15 Democrats joining all Republicans in support. The bill is now eligible for consideration in the Iowa Senate.

Officer-involved shooting review timelines move forward

Standard timelines would be placed on reviews of officer-involved shootings under legislation unanimously advanced by the Iowa House Wednesday.

House File 549 would require a county attorney reviewing an officer-involved shooting case to provide a written report to the officer involved or the officer’s legal counsel within 180 days after all evidence is collected.

Rep. Eric Gjerde, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids who serves as a special deputy for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, said the legislation would help families and friends of peace officers who face delays in receiving case information get answers more quickly.

“It provides closure for everybody involved, the victim, the victim’s family and peace officers throughout the state of Iowa,” Gjerde said. “Too often, the process gets delayed and sometimes a county attorney or state Attorney General’s Office does not make an official finding or ruling for sometimes months and years, and it leaves everybody wondering what’s going on."

House approves allowing police to file protective order

Police officers would be allowed to file a 72-hour emergency protective order for a victim under legislation approved by the Iowa House.

While the bill passed on an 81-15 vote with some bipartisan support, Rep. Eric Gjerde, D-Cedar Rapids, who serves as a special deputy for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, expressed some hesitation with law enforcement getting involved in civil situations.

“I think that if law enforcement officers start getting involved in civil proceedings, it muddies the water,” Gjerde said during debate. “I’m not opposed to a third person being able to file a civil no-contact order on behalf of somebody. But when you fill that out, you’re filling out an affidavit, and you’re swearing that what you’re saying is accurate, and it gets submitted to a judge or magistrate. And I just don’t think that (lawmakers) should be putting police officers in a civil matter like that.”

Rep. Mike Vondran, R-Davenport, said the legislation, House File 523, was requested by Iowa law enforcement.

The Iowa Peace Officers Association, the Iowa Police Chief Association and the Iowa County Attorneys Association all are registered as “undecided” on the bill, according to state lobbying records.

With its passage, House File 523 is eligible for consideration in the Iowa Senate.

Senate sends 2 bills to governor

Legislation that would add THC drinks to Iowa’s open containers law and require individuals convicted of grooming to register as a sex offender are on their way to Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Both bills were approved unanimously by the Iowa Senate on Wednesday, and both previously were approved by the House. Having passed both chambers, they head now to Reynolds for her consideration.

House File 181 would add THC-infused drinks to the existing state law that prohibits open containers of alcoholic drinks in motor vehicles.

House File 180 would place any individual convicted of the new state crime of grooming, established in 2024, on the state’s sex offender registry. Grooming is defined by last year’s new law as knowingly seducing or enticing a child to commit an unlawful sex act.

Both bills passed the Senate with unanimous, 48-0 votes.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

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