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IA HF2604

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/19/2026

Primary Sponsor

Thomas Gerhold

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

91st General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Expands the definition of "child" in Iowa's child abuse statutes to include an unborn child from fertilization to live birth
  • Adds use of a controlled substance by a pregnant female responsible for the care of a child as a new category of child abuse under Section 232.68
  • Requires mandatory reporters of child abuse to report controlled substance use by pregnant women to the Department of Health and Human Services
  • Triggers a child abuse assessment by HHS upon receiving such reports to determine if the allegation is founded and to offer support to the alleged abuser
  • Amends Iowa Code Section 232.71B to include the new controlled substance abuse subparagraph among offenses requiring a child abuse assessment

Legislative Description

A bill for an act relating to child abuse based on use of a controlled substance by a pregnant woman.

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Judiciary. H.J. 345.

2/19/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available