A bill for an act relating to the ability of peace officers to file a petition for emergency protective orders on behalf of persons seeking relief from domestic abuse.(See HF 523.)

House File 108 (HF 108) was a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on January 22, 2025, by Representative Brooke Boden. The bill aimed to allow peace officers to file petitions for emergency protective orders on behalf of individuals seeking relief from domestic abuse. This would enable law enforcement to act swiftly in situations where victims are unable or unwilling to file such petitions themselves. HF 108 was later renumbered as House File 523 (HF 523), which passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on May 6, 2026, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Supporters of HF 523, including domestic violence advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies, praised the bill for empowering peace officers to take immediate action in protecting victims of domestic abuse. They highlighted that the legislation would provide a crucial tool for law enforcement to intervene promptly, potentially preventing further harm to victims who might be hesitant or unable to seek protective orders themselves.

Critics of HF 523 expressed concerns about potential overreach by law enforcement and the possibility of infringing on individuals' rights. Some argued that allowing peace officers to file for emergency protective orders could lead to misuse or unnecessary interventions, especially in situations where the victim does not wish to pursue legal action. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that such measures are implemented with appropriate checks and balances to protect civil liberties.