Below are several significant bills the Governor has signed that originated from the Judiciary Committee
Senate File 444- 24/7 Sobriety and Distracted Driving
A person who is using a hand-held electronic device, and kills another while driving is guilty of a Class “C” felony. SF 444 also establishes a 24/7 sobriety program requiring certain offenders charged with alcohol or controlled substance violations to report twice a day for alcohol and drug testing. This bill is designed to reduce the number of repeat drunk drivers on the road.
Signed by the Governor
HF 517- Firearms
This bill makes changes to Iowa’s firearms laws including; permitting procedures, stand your ground, safety training requirements, confidential permit records, age to teach firearms safety, and limits on government restrictions on firearms in a state of emergency.
Signed by the Governor
Senate File 332 –Drug Rescheduling
SF 332 classifies and reclassifies substances, including synthetic drugs, in accordance with actions taken by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency.
Signed by the Governor
Senate File 413- Statute of Repose
The bill strikes 15 year statute of repose and replaces it with a statute of repose that is specific to certain structures:
Nuclear power plants, or interstate pipelines- 15 years
Residential construction- 10 years
Actions related to, or improvement to other real property-8 years
If there is intentional misconduct or fraudulent concealment of unsafe or defective conditions the claim must be brought within 15 years. If the unsafe or defective condition is discovered within one year prior to the applicable statute of repose, the period or repose shall be extended for one year.
Signed by the Governor
Senate File 446- Civil Asset Forfeiture
SF 446 prohibits civil asset forfeiture for property valued less than $5,000, if there is no conviction. The standard of proof in cases of civil asset forfeiture is increased from preponderance of evidence, to clear and convincing evidence. SF 446 requires property to be reviewed proportionally to the crime. Requires law enforcement agencies to retain records related to asset forfeiture
Signed by the Governor