Iowa

Study Links Looser License Renewal Laws for Elderly with Higher Crash Rates in Iowa

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa — A recent study from researchers at the University of Iowa indicates a concerning trend: states that have relaxed driver’s license renewal requirements for older drivers are experiencing an uptick in traffic accidents. This shift in policy could be making roads less safe, particularly for elderly motorists. Previously, Iowa mandated that drivers aged 72 and above renew their licenses every two years. However, the state altered its regulations in 2020, extending this requirement to every four years for those under the age of 78. Meanwhile, drivers younger than 70 have the option … Read more

Iowa House Passes Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws, Introduces Penalties for Non-Compliance by Law Enforcement Officers

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Des Moines, Iowa — In a significant legislative action, the Iowa House of Representatives recently approved a bill aimed at reinforcing the compliance with federal immigration laws by state law enforcement agencies. The bill, known as House File 946, was introduced as a method to ensure the uniform enforcement of immigration statutes across Iowa, setting protocols for local law enforcement, including sheriffs, on how they interact with federal immigration directives. Rep. Ray Sorensen, representing District 23, has been a vocal supporter of the bill, describing it as a necessary step to bolster public safety and … Read more

Iowa Judge Once Again Blocks Enforcement of State’s Controversial School Book Ban Law

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal judge in Iowa has once again placed a temporary hold on a controversial state law that restricts the availability of certain books in school libraries, marking a significant pause in the ongoing debate over educational content. This latest ruling, issued on March 25, halts the enforcement of sections of the law targeting books with depictions of sexual acts, as the court revisits the statute’s constitutionality. The legislation, championed by Iowa’s Republican-majority Legislature and Governor Kim Reynolds and enacted in 2023, came under scrutiny when significant portions were initially blocked … Read more

Iowa Attorney General Intervenes in Lawsuit Over Transgender Parent’s School Bathroom Access

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DES MOINES, Iowa — An unfolding legal battle in North Liberty, Iowa, centers around a transgender parent’s rights surrounding access to a high school bathroom, stirring discussions and legal scrutiny over state laws and individual civil liberties. Brenna Bird, Iowa’s Attorney General, has entered the fray, opposing the parent’s lawsuit against Liberty High School and the Iowa City School District initiated in February. The lawsuit was filed after the parent, who identifies as a male, was prohibited from using the boys’ restroom, aligning with a controversial Iowa law that mandates restroom use corresponding to an … Read more