The legislature made several changes to stop domestic abuse this session, including mandatory minimums for repeat offenses of domestic abuse and better tracking and monitoring of abusers. The approved bill creates new mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenses of domestic abuse. A mandatory minimum sentence of 1/5 of the criminal penalty is required for a third [...]
The Governor signed new protections for victims of human trafficking into law. Many of these protections will go into effect in July of this year. Senate File 2311 will increase penalties on perpetrators of human trafficking crimes, create additional resources for victims of human trafficking, and provides additional means to stop human trafficking. The bill increases [...]
The Justice Systems Budget Bill, House File 2450, provides funding for a variety of state agencies that are involved in protecting Iowans. These agencies include the Board of Parole, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Public Safety. Overall, the bill appropriates a total of $554 million for fiscal year 2015, [...]
The House voted this week to double the tax credit available to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The credit is currently a $50 nonrefundable tax credit for any volunteer fire fighter or emergency medical services personnel. The bill will make the credit $100 each year. The bill also expands the credit to reserve police [...]
By an overwhelming margin, the Iowa House voted to increase the penalties for kidnapping a child. The bill is intended to address the Kathlynn Shepard kidnapping and murder from last year. The House version, House File 2253, would require that anyone that kidnapped someone 15 years or under would be guilty of a class “B” felony. [...]
On January 1, 2014, two new laws will go into effect for new, young drivers. Currently, a new driver must carry an instruction permit for 6 months before applying for an intermediate license. The first new law will increase that instruction time to 12 months, during which time new drivers will have an opportunity to practice [...]
After positive feedback at the Iowa State Fair, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is allowing Iowans to renew their driver’s licenses at special kiosks at DOT offices in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. Users at the Fair said they like the kiosks because they are easy to use, save time, and eliminate long lines. The Iowa [...]
