DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Lawmakers in the Iowa Senate and House have agreed kidnapping penalties need to be tougher, but they’re having a hard time reaching a compromise for how long offenders should remain in jail.
In a 2-1 vote Tuesday, a three-member House judiciary subcommittee approved a bill seeking tougher kidnapping penalties for cases involving minors. This original legislation from the Senate maintains an earned time option for inmates, allowing them to reduce their sentences for good behavior. But a House amendment eliminates earned time altogether, bringing the legislation closer to a bill developed in the House.
Republican Rep. Chip Baltimore says he intends to continue his pursuit of earned time elimination, though lawmakers in the Senate stand by keeping the incentive. The legislation now goes to the full House Judiciary Committee.