A bill for an act relating to statutes of limitations in civil actions. (Formerly SSB 1179.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA SF512 is a bill that changes the time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Iowa. It establishes new statutes of limitations, which dictate how long individuals have to bring legal actions after an incident occurs. This bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Supporters of IA SF512 argue that updating the statutes of limitations will create a fairer legal environment, allowing individuals more time to seek justice for civil grievances. They believe this change will help ensure that valid claims are not dismissed simply due to outdated time constraints.

Critics of IA SF512 contend that extending the statutes of limitations could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits and burden the legal system. They argue that longer timeframes may complicate cases and make it more difficult for defendants to mount a proper defense due to fading evidence over time.