Edited release
02/05/26
Katie’s Law and Victims Protection bills passed out of subcommittee Wednesday in the Iowa Senate.
According to a release from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office, Katie’s Law has been enacted in some form in over 30 states and federally. The bill requires DNA collection from individuals arrested for felony or aggravated misdemeanor offenses. This bill creates a tool that allows law enforcement and cold case units to identify subjects, solve crimes more quickly, and prevent repeat offenses.
The Victims Protection bill updates several rules to ensure victims’ rights are prioritized. It allows victims and prosecutors to extend no-contact orders, shortens the number of days required for sex offenders to notify sheriff of changes in residence, work, and vehicle, and allows crime victim counselors to share information with law enforcement when there is immediate risk of harm.
The bills now advance to the Senate floor.