House passes bill to charge inmates for doctor’s visits

The Iowa House has approved a bill that forces inmates to pay when they ask for a doctor’s visit that isn’t really necessary. If the bill becomes law, prison wardens may charge inmates five dollars for transferring them to and from a doctor’s or dentist’s office. Representative Wayne Ford, a democrat from Des Moines, objected, and suggested legislators might next charge inmates a fee to flush the toilet. He says enough is enough. But Representative Bruce Hunter, another democrat from Des Moines, says the fee won’t be assessed to inmates who have “legitimate” health problems. Hunter says they’re just trying to keep inmates from using a medical excuse to take a joyride outside their cell. The bill now goes to the Senate.