The bill introduces a new section, 811.2A, which allows courts in Iowa to require a pretrial risk assessment for bailable defendants charged with offenses that may pose a danger to others if released. The court has the discretion to order this assessment, which must be conducted by a judicial district department of correctional services using a validated tool developed by the board of parole and approved by the department of corrections.

In making release decisions, the court will consider the results of the risk assessment alongside other relevant factors. The goal is to ensure that appropriate conditions for release are in place to mitigate risks to individuals and the public, while also weighing the potential harm of releasing the defendant.