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, [...]
In recent weeks, news reports have brought to light the treatment of children at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. These issues were brought forward after a site visit by the Disability Rights Iowa, which is part of a national network of protection and advocacy systems established in the 1970s by the U.S. Congress to respond [...]
Iowa Republicans are trying to pass the most extreme agenda in Iowa history. Fortunately, many pieces of their extreme agenda are dead and here are the highlights: Republicans on Education: Abolishing the Iowa Department of Education (SF 336) Exempting home school students from all compulsory education and competent private instruction requirements (SF 277) Divisive Social Issues: [...]
House Democrats today encouraged Republicans to take quick action on two bills to prevent tuition hikes on national guard members and improve safety at Iowa’s correctional institutions. “House Democrats are ready to take swift action this week and stop the tuition hike on national guard members. We are ready to work with Republicans and get the [...]
A number of new laws will go into effect on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2010 legislative session that will affect Iowans, including new seat belt requirements for kids in the back seat, a ban on text messaging while driving, and new protections for victims of [...]
Several new laws will hit the books on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2009 legislative session that will impact Iowans, including new restrictions on sex offenders, foreclosure protection, and better health care. Here are a few of the highlights: Foreclosure Protection – Iowans will benefit from [...]
