Live-in Lovers Would Face Tougher Penalties for Abuse

Men who abuse their girlfriend’s kids would face tougher penalties underlegislation which cleared the Iowa Senate last night. Senator MaggieTinsman of Davenport says it closes a loop-hole in Iowa law. Those who causePERMANENT injury to a child can be charged with a felony, but there’scurrently no FELONY charge for those who beat up a child without inflictingpermanent damage. Tinsman says when child protection laws were written,legislators probably didn’t think kids might be subjected to abuse from aparent’s live-in lover. The bill now goes to the House for debate.