Iowa

FAMM is working in Iowa in 2023. FAMM supported several reforms to Iowa’s drug sentencing laws in 2016 and 2017. Iowa needs more reform. First, Iowa is one of only 8 states in the country that continues to sentence people more harshly for crack cocaine offenses than for powder cocaine offenses, even though the two drugs are chemically identical. Second, Iowa is the only state in the country that does not have a compassionate release process to allow the very sick and elderly in prisons to be considered for release after they no longer pose a danger to others.

FAMM’s 2023 policy goals are to:

Abolish the crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity.
Establish a compassionate release process for the sick and elderly in Iowa state prisons.

Ask Iowa lawmakers to abolish the crack disparity

Ask Iowa lawmakers to create compassionate release

Please contact Molly Gill at mgill@famm.org for questions about our Iowa work.

2023 Priority Legislation

Crack-Powder Sentencing Disparity

HSB 199 – This bill, if passed, would eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses in Iowa. FAMM supported this bill. Unfortunately, it did not pass into law during this legislative session.

Read the bill: HSB 199.

Compassionate Release

No bills have yet been introduced to create compassionate release in Iowa. Keep checking this space for updates.

Read FAMM’s memo about the need for compassionate release in Iowa

Read FAMM’s report card on the lack of compassionate release in Iowa

Read FAMM’s poll showing 70% of Americans support compassionate release

Latest News:

Iowa Sentencing Reform Bill Clears Committee, Goes to Senate for Vote

Thursday, March 30, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lani Prunés lprunes@famm.org 202.621.5066 The Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee today approved HF 579, sending the bipartisan sentencing reform bill to the full Senate for a vote. The Iowa House of Representatives passed the bill unanimously on March 20. The bill enjoys broad support from across the ideological spectrum, including conservative organizations like … Read More

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lani Prunés lprunes@famm.org 202.621.5066 Conservative Support Grows for Iowa Sentencing Reform Bill Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition latest to endorse House-passed legislation that awaits Senate approval Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition is the latest conservative-oriented organization to throw its support behind sentencing reform legislation, HF 579, that … Read More

Monday, March 20, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lani Prunes 202-822-6700 lprunes@famm.org New Iowa Sentencing Reform Bill Passes House Unanimously, Goes to Senate Today the Iowa House of Representatives voted to pass HF 579, a new sentencing reform bill that would build on the successful reforms implemented last year. The bill was passed unanimously and gained broad … Read More