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HF 573

A bill for an act relating to filing applications and custody of the respondent in an involuntary commitment proceeding.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Extends cross-county custody and venue for involuntary commitment and SUD treatment; lets officers detain respondents across counties and tightens facility reporting.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HF 573

Summary — HF 573 (Signed May 19, 2025)

Title: An act relating to filing applications and custody of the respondent in an involuntary commitment proceeding.
Subject: Commitment proceedings (involuntary hospitalization and involuntary commitment/treatment for substance use disorder)
Status: Enacted (signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, May 19, 2025)

Purpose

HF 573 clarifies where involuntary commitment/hospitalization applications may be filed, requires transfer of cases filed in the wrong county, formalizes clerk assistance to applicants, and expands/clarifies law enforcement authority to take respondents into custody across county lines for placement under court orders. The bill also strengthens facility notification and reporting duties when a respondent absconds or fails to appear for ordered treatment.

Key provisions

  • Filing and venue (amends Code §§ 125.75(1) and 229.6(1)):

    • Any interested person may commence an involuntary commitment or hospitalization proceeding by filing a verified application in a district court.
    • If the application is filed in a county where the respondent is not located and does not reside, the court must transfer the case to the district court of the county where the respondent presently is located or where the respondent resides.
    • The clerk, or the clerk’s designee, shall assist applicants in completing the verified application.

  • Placement and custody for substance use disorder proceedings (amends Code § 125.83):

    • If court finds respondent has a substance use disorder by clear and convincing evidence, court orders placement for evaluation/treatment.
    • Any peace officer may take the respondent into custody in any county where the respondent is found for placement in accordance with the court order.
    • Facility administrator must report to the court within 15 days after admission/placement (including chief medical officer’s treatment recommendation). One extension up to 7 days may be granted for good cause; failure to report without extension is contempt under chapter 665 and triggers a rehearing.

  • Hospitalization (amends Code § 229.13 and § 229.14B):

    • Chief medical officer must inform the sheriff or law enforcement if a respondent departs without authorization or fails to appear for ordered treatment; law enforcement shall exercise due diligence to take the respondent into custody and return them to the hospital/facility.
    • A sheriff or peace officer has authority to take a respondent into custody in any county in which the respondent is found for placement under an order.
    • Conforming change to the “escape from custody” provision to reflect law enforcement notification/return duties.

  • Rulemaking:

    • Iowa Supreme Court directed to adopt rules to implement the Act.

Who is affected

  • Respondents subject to involuntary commitment or hospitalization orders (mobility and cross-county custody implications).
  • Interested persons/petitioners filing applications (may file in any county; will receive clerk assistance).
  • District courts and clerks (must transfer venue when appropriate; assist applicants).
  • Hospitals and facilities (reporting obligations; notification duties).
  • Sheriffs and peace officers (expanded authority/expectations to take respondents into custody across county lines and to execute returns).
  • Respondent attorneys (receive facility reports and may contest requested extensions).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Facility report deadline: within 15 days of admission/placement; one 7‑day extension for good cause.
  • Contempt and rehearing procedures if facility fails to report.
  • Supreme Court rulemaking to follow enactment for implementation detail.

Legislative history

  • Introduced: Feb 24, 2025.
  • House passage: Mar 12, 2025 (yeas 96, nays 0).
  • Senate passage: Apr 14, 2025 (yeas 45, nays 0).
  • Enrolled & signed by Governor: May 19, 2025.

Statutory changes

Amends Iowa Code sections: 125.75(1), 125.83, 229.6(1), 229.13 (subsection changes and addition), and 229.14B (conforming language).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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