HF 2191: Relating to the commutation of sentence procedure for class “A” felons

What it does

This bill relates to the commutation of sentence procedure for class “A” felons. Current law provides that a person who has been sentenced to life imprisonment may, no more frequently than once every years, make an application to the governor requesting that the person’s sentence be commuted to a term of years. The director of the Iowa department of corrections may make a request to the governor requesting that the person’s sentence be commuted to a term of years at any time. The bill provides that in addition to the current commutation procedure allowed under current law, a person who has been sentenced to life imprisonment who has served years may make an application to the governor every years requesting that the person’s sentence be commuted to a term of years if the person is, at the time of each application, classified at the minimum security custody level.

House subcommittee · named February 8, 2022

• Rep. Sandy Salmon (R) · sandy.salmon@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dean Fisher (R) · dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Bob Kressig (D) · bob.kressig@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 6 for, 4 against

For: Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Conference of United Methodist Church; League of Women Voters of Iowa

Against: Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance; Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association; Soaring Hearts

In plain words

1. February 1, 2022Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. February 8, 2022House subcommittee named: Salmon, Fisher and Kressig
3. February 14, 2022Subcommittee recommended passing it