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SSB 1057

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Summary of SSB 1057 / SJR 9 OverviewBill Number: SSB 1057 (renumbered as SJR 9) Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SJR 9.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1057

Summary of SSB 1057 / SJR 9

Overview

Bill Number: SSB 1057 (renumbered as SJR 9)
Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of an accused to confront children and other witnesses.
Status: Committee report approving bill
Introduced: January 28, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this proposed constitutional amendment is to modify the rights of the accused in criminal proceedings involving child or developmentally disabled witnesses. The intent is to provide greater protections for vulnerable witnesses while balancing the rights of the accused to confront their accusers.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the Iowa Constitution to allow the legislature to enact laws permitting the use of closed-circuit television, video recordings, or other reliable methods to take the testimony of a child or developmentally disabled witness in a criminal proceeding
  • Allows the legislature to establish procedures for determining when such alternative testimony methods may be used, including criteria for assessing the reliability and necessity of the testimony
  • Maintains the accused's right to be present, to cross-examine the witness, and to object to the use of alternative testimony methods

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Criminal defendants would have their confrontation rights modified, with potential limitations on direct in-person questioning of child or developmentally disabled witnesses
  • Child and developmentally disabled witnesses in criminal proceedings would be provided greater protections and ability to testify without facing the accused directly
  • Prosecutors and courts would gain more flexibility in how vulnerable witnesses can provide testimony, potentially improving evidence gathering and victim support

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been approved by committee and renumbered as SJR 9. If passed by the legislature, the proposed constitutional amendment would then need to be approved by voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect. The timeline for legislative consideration and potential voter approval is not specified.

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

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