HF 2059 (LSB 5554YH (3) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2059

BY  FETT and BODEN

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to victim’s rights including the definition of victim.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 915.10, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  “Victim” means a person who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as the result of a public offense or a delinquent act, other than a simple misdemeanor, committed in this state. “Victim” also includes the immediate family members of a victim who died or was rendered incompetent as a result of the offense or who was under eighteen years of age at the time of the offense.  A first responder, including law enforcement, fire personnel, and emergency medical services personnel, may also be considered a victim for purposes of presenting a victim impact statement to the court at the time of sentencing pursuant to section 915.21.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to victim’s rights including the definition of “victim”.
   The bill provides that a first responder, including law enforcement, fire personnel, and emergency medical services personnel, may also be considered a victim for purposes of presenting a victim impact statement to the court at the time of sentencing pursuant to Code section 915.21.