Republicans in the Iowa House have passed legislation to shield businesses, churches and other organizations from lawsuits over COVID-19. Representative Gary Carlson, a Republican from Muscatine, said it'll help reboot the economy. "We are dealing with a very uncertain time and uncertainty is … [Read more...]
Senate panel advances felon voting rights amendment
After a short and somber debate, a Senate committee tonight has advanced a priority from what Governor Kim Reynolds has called her "Second Chance" agenda -- a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore a released felon's voting rights. Senator Amy Sinclair, a Republican from … [Read more...]
Top GOP leaders pledge action on bill addressing police misconduct
The two top Republicans in the Iowa legislature say they're preparing legislation to respond to the death of George Floyd and protesters asking for racial justice. Hundreds of peaceful protesters marched past the state capitol last night. "Those voices are being heard and we've had conversations … [Read more...]
Governor to Senate GOP: time to act on felon voting rights
Governor Kim Reynolds says it's time for Senate Republicans to lay the groundwork for a constitutional change, so released felons automatically have the right to vote. "Iowa is now the only state in the nation where all convicted felons lose their right to vote unless they apply to the governor," … [Read more...]
Democratic lawmakers seek 3 immediate criminal justice reforms
A group of Democrats in the Iowa legislature is urging the governor and Republican leaders to immediately pass three criminal justice reforms, starting by banning law enforcement from using choke holds. Representative Ras Smith of Waterloo said the state attorney general and county attorneys … [Read more...]
Focus back on Senate GOP after House passes felon voting limitations
Republicans in the Iowa House tonight approved legislation to forbid paroled felons who owe victim restitution from voting if Iowans approve a constitutional amendment that automatically restores felon voting rights. "We're talking about somebody who potentially killed someone," said … [Read more...]
Backers say cannabis bill imperfect, but worth supporting
The Iowa Senate has sent Governor Reynolds a bill to adjust Iowa's medical marijuana program. It will not boost the potency of the cannabis products as significantly as a bill she vetoed in 2019 would have. Senator Rich Taylor, a Democrat from Mount Pleasant, said he'd like to pass a meaningful … [Read more...]
Randy Feenstra defeats Steve King by 9.7 points
Republican voters in Iowa's fourth congressional district have delivered a historic verdict, deciding against re-election for a long-time lawmaker with a penchant for controversial comments. Challenger Randy Feenstra defeated Congressman Steve King's bid for a 10th term by nearly 10 points. "I … [Read more...]
Hinson wins with 78% of GOP Primary vote
State Representative Ashley Hinson of Marion easily won the GOP Primary in Iowa's second congressional district. She defeated fellow Republican Thomas Hansen with 78 percent of the vote. "It's been a trying several months for all of us as we've been making our way through the COVID-19 pandemic … [Read more...]
Iowa Democrats choose Greenfield to challenge Ernst
Theresa Greenfield of West Des Moines has captured the Democratic Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate and will challenge Republican Senator Joni Ernst's bid for a second term. "There's no doubt this will be a tough fight, but that's never stopped me before," Greenfield said tonight, "and it's … [Read more...]