All Roll Calls
Yes: 227 • No: 0
IowaHF 47291st General Assembly (2025–2026)House
A bill for an act creating a special motion for expedited relief in actions involving the exercise of the right of freedom of speech and of the press, the right to assemble and petition, and the right of association, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 116.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.
Sponsored By: COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Broad reading to protect free speech
Beginning 2025-07-01, courts must read this law broadly to protect free speech, the press, assembly, petition, and association. Courts should also consider keeping Iowa’s approach in line with other states that have similar laws.
Early dismissal, fee awards, and appeals
Beginning 2025-07-01, the court must dismiss a covered claim with prejudice when the mover shows the law applies and the other side cannot show it does not. Dismissal is also required if the other side cannot make a prima facie case, or there is no real fact dispute and the mover is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. If the court denies the motion, the mover can appeal as of right within 30 days. If the mover wins, the court must award court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and reasonable litigation expenses tied to the motion. If the other side wins and the court finds the motion was frivolous or filed only to delay, the other side can get fees and costs. Dropping the case without prejudice does not stop the court from ruling or the mover from seeking fees; dropping it with prejudice counts as the mover winning for fee awards.
Fast-track motion to dismiss speech claims
Beginning 2025-07-01, if you are served with a covered claim, you can file a special motion to dismiss within 60 days, or later for good cause. Filing the motion pauses most of the case between the parties, including discovery and hearings; the court can also pause related proceedings with other parties. Only limited discovery is allowed to get specific proof needed for the motion that you cannot reasonably get otherwise. The court must hold a hearing within 60 days after filing (or within 60 days after a discovery order) and must decide within 60 days after the hearing. When ruling, the court considers the pleadings and the same kinds of evidence used in summary judgment. Fee motions under this law are not paused, and courts may still hear unrelated motions and emergency orders to protect against imminent public health or safety. If the motion is denied and appealed, the case remains paused until the appeal ends. The stay does not block voluntary dismissals or case severance.
Faster dismissal of suits over public speech
Beginning 2025-07-01, the law covers civil cases based on speech in or about government proceedings, or on speech, press, assembly, petition, or association on a public concern. It does not cover cases against government agencies or officials acting in an official role. It does not cover government cases to stop an imminent public health or safety threat. It also does not cover speech tied to selling or leasing goods or services. The rules apply only to lawsuits filed on or after 2025-07-01.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/24/2025
Passed House
Yes: 89 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Passed Senate
Yes: 47 • No: 0
House vote • 3/11/2025
Passed House
Yes: 91 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor.
5/19/2025GovernorReported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor.
5/19/2025SenateMessage from House.
4/28/2025HouseImmediate message.
4/24/2025legislaturePassed House, yeas 89, nays 0.
4/24/2025HouseHouse concurred in Senate amendment H-1243.
4/24/2025SenateSenate amendment H-1243 filed.
4/17/2025SenateMessage from Senate.
4/17/2025SenateImmediate message.
4/16/2025legislaturePassed Senate, yeas 47, nays 0.
4/16/2025SenateAmendment S-3105 filed, adopted.
4/16/2025legislatureSubstituted for SF 47.
4/16/2025legislaturePlaced on calendar under unfinished business.
4/3/2025legislatureExplanation of vote.
3/19/2025legislatureRead first time, attached to SF 47.
3/12/2025legislatureMessage from House.
3/12/2025HouseExplanation of vote.
3/12/2025legislatureImmediate message.
3/11/2025legislaturePassed House, yeas 91, nays 0.
3/11/2025HouseIntroduced, placed on calendar.
2/19/2025legislature
Bill Text
As Introduced
Enrolled
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