A bill for an act relating to the issuance of a subpoena or search warrant for menstrual health data.
Summary
Senate File 124 would restrict government access to “menstrual health data” in Iowa by prohibiting subpoenas issued or served for the purpose of obtaining that data and by barring search warrants for the search and seizure of such data stored on computers, computer networks, or other electronic or digital devices. The bill defines menstrual health data broadly to include information created or received by an entity that relates to or is used to determine, predict, or estimate an individual’s past, present, or future menstrual health or menstrual status.
In practical terms, the bill creates a specific privacy protection for sensitive reproductive and health-related information in criminal investigations and other legal proceedings. It would amend Iowa Code sections 622.63 and 808.2 to carve menstrual health data out of the ordinary subpoena and search-warrant framework, limiting law enforcement and litigants from compelling or seizing this category of digital information.
Impact
The bill would change Iowa law by adding an explicit prohibition on subpoenas and search warrants directed at menstrual health data, including data stored electronically. This would narrow the scope of existing court-authorized discovery and search powers under Iowa’s subpoena and warrant statutes, and it would likely affect law enforcement, prosecutors, private litigants, and entities that collect or store reproductive health information. The measure does not create a general evidentiary privilege, but it does establish a targeted statutory shield for this type of data.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was introduced and referred to subcommittee, with no recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s framing, it appears to be a privacy-protection measure aimed at limiting government access to sensitive health information, which generally suggests support from sponsors concerned with reproductive privacy and digital data protections. Because there are no transcripts or votes, there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the breadth of the data covered and the extent to which the bill would limit investigative tools. Supporters would likely view the measure as necessary to protect reproductive privacy and prevent compelled disclosure of intimate health information, especially in digital form. Opponents, if any, could argue that the prohibition is too broad and may interfere with legitimate criminal investigations or civil proceedings where menstrual health data could be relevant evidence. No specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.
Requires foreign corporations providing electronic communication services or remote computing services to comply with New Jersey subpoenas, court orders and search warrants.