Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to mandatory minimum sentences for certain criminal offenses, and making penalties applicable
Sponsored by Sen. Mark S. Lofgren (R)
Topics:Courts & civil lawCrime & corrections
Same legislation: HF 2155
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 13, 2026
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill relates to mandatory minimum sentences for certain criminal offenses. The bill provides that a person found guilty of a forcible felony who was in the immediate possession and control of a dangerous weapon, displayed a dangerous weapon in a threatening manner, or was armed with a dangerous weapon while participating in the forcible felony shall serve a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law. Current law requires the person to serve five years prior to eligibility for parole.
Read the full explanation
The bill provides that a person sentenced as a habitual offender shall not be eligible for parole until the person has served a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law.8 defines a habitual offender as any person convicted of a class “C” or a class “D” felony, who has twice before been convicted of any felony in a court of this or any other state, or of the United States.401D shall not be eligible for parole until the person has served a minimum of one-half of the sentence imposed by law rather than a minimum of years as provided by current law.6(5), shall be denied parole or work release until the person has served between one-half and seven-tenths of the maximum term of the person’s sentence. Current law requires the person to serve between three-tenths and seven-tenths of the maximum term. The bill provides that a person who has been convicted of a third or subsequent offense of domestic abuse assault shall be denied parole or work release until the person has served between one-half of the maximum term and the maximum term of the person’s sentence. Current law requires the person to serve between one-fifth of the maximum term and the maximum term of the person’s sentence.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
Senate subcommittee
Named January 13, 2026. On January 20, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§902.12§902.13§902.7§902.8§902.8A
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
3 for · 3 against · 4 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
91st General Assembly
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.