The Iowa Legislature has approved a bill that is expected to reduce prison sentences for inmates serving time for certain drug offenses. The bill would cut mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain non-violent drug offenders. It would also give judges more discretion in sentencing for crimes like robbery. It would add a mandatory minimum sentence for intentional child endangerment that results in a child’s death.
Gov. Terry Branstad has simplified the form convicted felons use to seek restoration of their voting rights.
Branstad says the new one-page document reduces the number of questions from 29 to 13 making the process easier.
Still, Iowa remains one of three states to disenfranchise convicted felons for life unless an official restores the voting right.
Branstad says offenders must prove fines and restitution are paid before they can vote.
An attempt to keep alive a bill that would allow the sale of fireworks in Iowa has fizzled out and is considered dead this session.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee agreed Wednesday to hold off any further discussion on legislation that would have allowed the retail sale and use of consumer fireworks such as firecrackers and roman candles. Current law allows sales of novelties like sparklers.