DES MOINES After another intense debate over police protections and racial equity, the Republican-led Iowa Senate on Monday approved legislation that would boost support for law enforcement and enhance punishments for individuals convicted of rioting.
The so-called âback the blueâ legislation would, among other things, shield law enforcement officers from some lawsuits in the form of qualified immunity, and raised the penalty for rioting from an aggravated misdemeanor to a Class D felony.
Republicans said the legislation fulfills a promise they made during the 2020 election campaign, and adds protections for law enforcement officers after, over the past year, racial justice protests in some cases have turned violent.
Iowa Senate passes back the blue bill
thegazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thegazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Iowa Senate passes bill allowing on-farm digesters
thegazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thegazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Rod Boshart, Special to the Globe Gazette
DES MOINES â Legislation changing Iowa law to allow third-party delivery of alcohol products is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynoldsâ desk.
Members of the Iowa Senate voted 39-7 Wednesday to approve House File 766, which will allow businesses holding a liquor license to contract with third-party delivery services, such as Uber or DoorDash, to deliver alcoholic beverages to customers.
The bill included language to give the holder of liquor licenses â the bars, restaurants or grocery stores selling alcohol â some immunity from wrongdoing by the third-party delivery service.
The bill removes a requirement that deliveries of liquor, wine or beer be made in a vehicle owned, leased or under the control of the holder of an alcohol license or permit.