This bill appropriates funds for the Iowa justice system for the fiscal year 2025-2026, with significant allocations for various departments, including over $10 million for the Attorney General's office and $5 million for victim assistance grants, particularly for human trafficking services. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining records of agency representation time and requires the Department of Justice to report on non-general fund sources. The bill also outlines provisions for the Department of Corrections, mandating the use of inmate labor for community service projects and requiring reports on private-sector employment of offenders. Additionally, it allows for the reallocation of appropriated funds within the Department of Corrections to meet operational needs without eliminating programs.

Key amendments include adjustments to compensation rates for appointed attorneys, with new rates effective from July 1, 2025, and modifications to appropriations from the Consumer Education and Litigation Fund to enhance public education on consumer fraud. The bill also establishes a federal receipts fund under the control of the Department of Corrections, ensuring that federal moneys received do not revert at the end of the fiscal year. Furthermore, it codifies increases to appropriations in the consumer education and litigation fund that have been in effect since FY 2014-2015. The provisions of this bill are considered of immediate importance, taking effect upon enactment and applying retroactively to the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 915.94, 815.7, 714.16C, 714.16