Judiciary bills signed by the Governor

     As a member of the House Judiciary committee I voted for several bills.  Below is a list of consequential bills that the Governor has signed that originated from the Judiciary Committee:

HF 517- Firearms

     This bill makes changes to Iowa’s firearms laws including; permitting procedures, stand your ground, safety training requirements, confidential permit records, age to teach firearms safety, and limits on government restrictions on firearms in a state of emergency.   

Senate File 332 –Drug Rescheduling

     SF 332 classifies and reclassifies substances, including synthetic drugs, in accordance with actions taken by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency.

Senate File 413- Statute of Repose

     The bill strikes 15-year statute of repose and replaces it with a statute of repose that is specific to certain structures:

     • Nuclear power plants, or interstate pipelines – 15 years.

     • Residential construction – 10 years.

     • Actions related to, or improvement to other real property – 8 years.

     If there is intentional misconduct or fraudulent concealment of unsafe or defective conditions the claim must be brought within 15 years. If the unsafe or defective condition is discovered within one year prior to the applicable statute of repose, the period or repose shall be extended for one year. 

Senate File 446- Civil Asset Forfeiture

     SF 446 prohibits civil asset forfeiture for property valued less than $5,000, if there is no conviction. The standard of proof in cases of civil asset forfeiture is increased from preponderance of evidence, to clear and convincing evidence. SF 446 requires property to be reviewed proportionally to the crime. Requires law enforcement agencies to retain records related to asset forfeiture.