Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3029

Introduced
1/10/24  
Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to an assault committed by a person against whom a protective order is issued, and providing penalties.(See SF 2174.)

Impact

The passage of SSB3029 would notably raise the penalties associated with violations of protective orders, transitioning them from the current contempt of court or misdemeanor charges to more severe felony charges. This change reflects a legislative intent to deter potential offenders by imposing stricter consequences for assaults that occur in the context of protective orders. Additionally, this would create a distinct legal violation under the law, making it clear that acts of violence against protected individuals are treated with utmost seriousness.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3029 (SSB3029) proposes significant changes to the legal treatment of assaults committed by individuals against whom a protective order has been issued. Under this bill, if a person subject to a protective order commits an assault against the individual protected by that order, they would be subjected to a class D felony charge. This shift aims to strengthen the enforcement of protective orders and enhance legal protections for victims of domestic violence and other types of harassment.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill will provide crucial safeguards for victims, opponents may raise concerns around the implications of labeling additional offenders as felons, especially in relation to potential overreach in criminalizing behavior that may not warrant such severe consequences. Discussions during the legislative process may focus on balancing the need for victim protection with the rights of individuals accused of violations. The bill's approach could also spark debates regarding the effectiveness of protective orders in preventing violence, with different stakeholders advocating for various levels of support for victims and due process for the accused.

Companion Bills

IA HSB512

Related A bill for an act relating to an assault committed by a person against whom a protective order is issued, and providing penalties.(See HF 2098.)

IA HF2098

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to an assault committed by a person against whom a protective order is issued, and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 512.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2174

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to an assault committed by a person against whom a protective order is issued, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 3029.)

Previously Filed As

IA HB1456

Crimes and offenses; protective orders or consent agreements for victims against persons who have committed acts of sexual assault; provide

IA SF2122

A bill for an act relating to the creation of an extreme risk protective order against a person in possession of a firearm who presents a significant danger to the person's self or others, and providing penalties.

IA SSB1058

A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See SF 397.)

IA HF2726

A bill for an act relating to testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, and including penalties.

IA HSB24

A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See HF 177.)

IA HF177

A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 24.)

IA SF397

A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 1058.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF2751

A bill for an act relating to criminal acts against persons in certain occupations, including testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, certain public safety personnel, including confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees, and obstructing first responders, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 2728.)

IA SSB3156

A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2400.)

IA SF2400

A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3156.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.