This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code related to administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, as well as civil service disciplinary hearings and appeals. Key changes include the requirement that upon written request, officers or their legal counsel must be provided with the written complaint, witness statements, and the complete investigative report at no charge at the end of the investigation. The bill also clarifies that interviews of officers will be conducted at reasonable times and establishes that these interviews do not constitute formal hearings. Additionally, it removes a provision that previously stated no private cause of action could be brought against prosecuting agencies or their employees.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the rights of officers placed on a Brady-Giglio list, ensuring they are afforded specific protections regardless of when the placement occurred. It mandates that prosecuting agencies make decisions regarding these lists in good faith and prohibits county attorneys from representing parties in cases involving the same facts unless informed consent is given. The bill grants the district court jurisdiction over related actions, with the possibility of appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court, and extends disciplinary appeal provisions to part-time deputy sheriffs. Lastly, it reinforces confidentiality for peer support counselors regarding communications obtained during crisis interventions. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 80F.1, 341A.12, 622.10