The bill amends Iowa Code Section 718.6 to establish penalties for individuals who knowingly report false information regarding criminal acts. Under the new provisions, a person who falsely reports a criminal act commits a class D felony, which is punishable by up to five years of confinement and fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. The bill also introduces a new clause stating that individuals who persist in making false allegations after they have been proven false may face charges of malicious prosecution under Section 720.6.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 720.6 by changing the classification of malicious prosecution from a serious misdemeanor to an aggravated misdemeanor. This change increases the potential penalties for malicious prosecution, which now carries a maximum confinement of two years and fines between $855 and $8,540. Overall, the bill aims to deter false accusations and enhance accountability for those who misuse the legal system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 718.6, 720.6