HF 2119: Relating to the possession of contraband in department of corrections facilities, and providing penalties

What it does

This bill relates to the possession of contraband in department of corrections facilities. The bill provides that any punishment for the possession of contraband by an inmate of a facility under the control of the department of corrections shall be served consecutively to the sentence being served by the inmate at the time of the violation. The bill adds a new category of restricted or disruptive contraband. “Restricted or disruptive contraband” means any object, material, substance, or article that is not inherently illegal to possess under the laws of the state but that is prohibited by the facility due to the threat it poses to the order, discipline, or security of the facility, or to the life, health, or safety of an individual.

House subcommittee · named January 12, 2026

• Rep. Joshua Meggers (R) · joshua.meggers@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jason Gearhart (R) · jason.gearhart@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Elinor A. Levin (D) · elinor.levin@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Dept. of Corrections; Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association

In plain words

1. January 12, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee · as HSB 510
2. January 12, 2026House subcommittee named: Meggers, Gearhart and Levin · as HSB 510
3. January 14, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 510
4. January 20, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 510
5. January 20, 2026Committee vote: 17–6 · as HSB 510
6. January 21, 2026Filed in the House
7. January 21, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2119 · as HSB 510