IA HF2571

Directs the Iowa Supreme Court to revise Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.22(8)(e) governing commitment hearings following acquittal by reason of insanity.

Prohibits courts from using the absence of recent overt acts of dangerousness as the sole factor in determining whether a defendant poses a risk to themselves or others, especially when that absence may be due to confinement in a highly structured environment.

Requires courts to consider multiple factors when assessing dangerousness: the original offense, behavioral history, psychiatric history and current mental status, substance use disorder history, institutional behavior and independent functioning, environmental influences, and expert testimony with risk assessment reports.

Mandates the revised rules of criminal procedure be submitted for legislative council review no later than October 14, 2026.