House passes obstruction measure for first responders with disease-testing warrant and peer-support protections

The Iowa House voted to pass House File 2751 on final reading after adopting two floor amendments aimed at supporting first responders.

Representative Lundgren, presenting the bill, said it would help law enforcement and other first responders by making it a serious misdemeanor for a person not involved in an incident to remain within about a 25-foot circle of an officer or first responder during first-response activities. ‘‘House file 2751 is a bill on obstruction,’’ the Representative said in opening remarks.

Two amendments were adopted on voice votes. Amendment H8275, introduced by Representative Jertie of Lynn, would allow anyone in a protected class who is assaulted to request that law enforcement seek a search warrant to test the alleged assailant for communicable diseases. ‘‘This amendment is something that is critically important to law enforcement, first responders, [and] health care workers,’’ Representative Jertie said, recounting a personal incident in which a bite drew blood and prompted concerns about treatment choices.

Amendment H8276, also offered by Representative Jertie, would extend confidentiality to communications in peer-support groups for first responders so those employees can seek counseling without fear of disclosures. The sponsor framed the change as one the House has passed previously and urged that it be sent to the Senate again.

Representative Lundgren urged the body to support the bill as amended, saying the changes ‘‘make it better’’ for first responders. The chamber recorded 92 ayes, 0 no, and 8 absent; the bill was declared passed by constitutional majority.

What happens next: The bill, as amended, will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.