The bill aims to enhance protections and rights for victims of crime in Iowa, particularly focusing on sexual assault cases. Key amendments include clarifying the definition of "confidential communication" between victims and counselors, ensuring that victim counselors cannot be compelled to disclose confidential information in legal proceedings except under specific circumstances, such as when the victim waives the privilege or when there is an imminent risk of serious harm. The bill also introduces immunity for victim counselors and crime victim centers participating in good faith disclosures. Additionally, it establishes the right for victims to have a counselor present during proceedings related to their assault and outlines the process for obtaining protective orders in cases of sexual offenses.

Further provisions include extending the duration of protective orders related to sexual offenses, requiring law enforcement to preserve sexual assault examination kits for a minimum of twenty years or the lifetime of a minor victim, and reducing the timeframe for sex offenders to register changes in their status from five to three business days. The bill also modifies the legal framework surrounding mental competency evaluations for defendants, reclassifies crime victim compensation program reimbursements as Category A restitution, and mandates that sexual assault nurse examiners complete a forensic examiner program adhering to Department of Justice guidelines. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework supporting victims of crime and improve the handling of sensitive cases involving sexual violence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 915.20A, 236A.7, 709.8, 692A.104, 664A.3, 910.1, 915.80, 815.9, 915.46