The Iowa House has voted to toughen Iowa’s law on habitual offenders and set a minimum 20-year prison sentence for people convicted of several serious crimes. Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, says it would be a mandatory sentence of at least two decades, as there would be no possibility for parole under the new system for repeat offenders.
“House File 2584 will close the revolving door, make our communities safer and in six years or so if we have to spend more money to increase the number of prison beds it will be money well spent for the cost in saved lives and reduced violence and disruption in our communities will be incalculable,” Holt said.
Multiple convictions for theft, harassment or possession of a controlled substance would not be considered when a court decides whether someone should be sentenced to 20 years as a habitual offender. The clock for counting felony and aggravated misdemeanor convictions that would lead to getting a 20 year sentence wouldn’t start until the bill becomes law. The bill passed on a 68-to-23 vote. Those opposed say longer sentences won’t deter crime and that non-violent offenders could face excessive punishment.
