Iowa HF668 provides immunity from criminal or civil liability for the justifiable use of reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others or.

Iowa HF668 amends Section 704.13 of the Code 2025 to establish immunity from criminal or civil liability for individuals who use reasonable force in defense of themselves, others, or property. The bill presumes that the person reasonably believed the use of force was necessary to defend against unlawful force. It also mandates that law enforcement agencies may investigate but cannot arrest unless there is probable cause to believe the force was unlawful. The burden of proof to overcome immunity lies with the party seeking to do so, requiring clear and convincing evidence.

Iowa HF668 provides immunity from criminal or civil liability for the justifiable use of reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others or.

Iowa HF668 amends Section 704.13 of the Code 2025 to establish immunity from criminal or civil liability for individuals who use reasonable force in defense of themselves, others, or property. The bill presumes that the person reasonably believed the use of force was necessary to defend against unlawful force. It also mandates that law enforcement agencies may investigate but cannot arrest unless there is probable cause to believe the force was unlawful. The burden of proof to overcome immunity lies with the party seeking to do so, requiring clear and convincing evidence.