Iowa House Republicans announce three new ‘tough on crime’ bills

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – House Republicans announced three bills Wednesday as part of what they call their tough on crime approach this session.

State Representative Steve Holt is leading one bill that will punish repeat offenders, “Our communities will be safer and the justice deserved by victims of the crime will actually come to fruition. I believe that lives will be saved by this approach to incarcerating individuals who refuse to be rehabilitated.”

The bill creates a three-strike system based on the severity of the crimes half a strike for misdemeanors and a full strike for felonies.

If an offender reaches three strikes, they will serve a mandatory 20 year minimum sentence without parole.

House Republicans also proposed changes to the state’s bail system.

Legislators want to update the state bail schedule after nearly 10 years, adjusting recommended amounts for inflation.

If judges and magistrates set a bail amount different from the state schedule, they will now be required to document an explanation of the decision.

State Representative Mike Vondran says the bill will remove loopholes that allow criminals back on the streets.

“A magistrate can no longer accept bail lower than the uniform bond schedule or a percentage of it without providing written justification. We’re enhancing responsibility with accountability,” he said.

The third bill announced will create a dashboard for Iowans to see data on sentencing, bond, and court efficiency.

A subcommittee is scheduled to discuss that bill next week.

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