The bill amends Section 718.6 of the Iowa Code to establish that a person who knowingly reports false information regarding a criminal act commits a class D felony, regardless of the nature of the alleged act. This change removes the previous requirement that the false report must pertain to specific serious offenses, such as forcible felonies or acts of terrorism. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision stating that individuals who persist in making false allegations after they have been proven false may be charged with malicious prosecution under Section 720.6.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 720.6 by changing the classification of malicious prosecution from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor. This adjustment increases the potential penalties, with an aggravated misdemeanor carrying a maximum confinement of two years and a fine ranging from $855 to $8,540. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal consequences for individuals who make false accusations of criminal acts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 718.6, 720.6