Reynolds Signs Public Safety Bills into Law

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed three public safety bills into law today aimed at repeat offenders and changes to sentencing and bail procedures.

The bills — House File 2542, House File 2787 and Senate File 2399 — include measures that end warrant resolution clinics, require magistrates to set bail at the scheduled amount and create a new “three strikes” system for habitual offenders.

Under the new system, deferred or suspended sentences would no longer be allowed for habitual offenders. The legislation also raises the minimum sentence for habitual offenders from three years to seven years and changes the maximum sentence from 15 years to 20 years.

“For too long, a small number of repeat offenders have been responsible for a disproportionate share of crime in our communities,” Reynolds said in a statement. “These criminals cycle through the justice system with little accountability and put innocent Iowans at risk. Together, these reforms reflect a simple principle: Iowa will stand with victims, support law enforcement, and prioritize public safety.”

The governor’s office said the legislation is intended to strengthen accountability in the criminal justice system and better protect Iowans from repeat offenders.