Iowa Legislature passes ‘3 strikes’ mandatory minimum sentencing law
The Iowa Legislature passed a mandatory minimum sentencing law that lawmakers were informed may disproportionately affect Black Iowans.
The Iowa Legislature passed a “3 strikes” law on Saturday, with a vote in the Iowa House of 66-20. HF 2542 passed the Senate, 39-6, earlier in the day. Iowans who are convicted of a third felony would face a 7-year mandatory minimum sentence before parole can be considered.
Republican proponents have argued that the law is tough on repeat offenders. Democrats have argued the law will burden the prison system and have a disproportionate impact on communities already overrepresented in the system, such as Black Iowans. The Iowa Legislative Services Agency produced a fiscal note that stated: “House File 2542 enhances penalties related to habitual offenders and may disproportionately impact Black individuals if trends remain constant.”
The bill will now go to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature. See all of the bills that have been signed into law this session.
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