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SF 174

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa bill allows supervised apartment placements for youth facing delinquency charges with state funding to support alternatives to detention.

Withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · SF 174

Legislative bill overview

SF 174 authorizes Iowa to place children facing delinquency charges in supervised apartment living arrangements through consent decrees and establishes state funding mechanisms for these placements. The bill was introduced in February 2025, approved by committee, but was subsequently withdrawn after being attached to HF 298 on March 11, 2025.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses juvenile justice alternatives to traditional detention by allowing supervised independent living as an option for youth awaiting trial on delinquency charges. The bill's provisions on state funding determine whether counties or the state bears financial responsibility for these placements, which has significant budgetary implications for local and state government.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation dispute: Whether the state should pay for placements or if counties should bear costs, affecting local government budgets
  • Appropriateness of independence: Questions about whether unsupervised apartment living is suitable for youth in legal trouble and adequate for public safety
  • Consent decree standards: Unclear criteria for what constitutes appropriate "supervision" and whether protections adequately safeguard vulnerable youth in these arrangements

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

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