This bill amends Section 724.26 of the Iowa Code to establish mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of firearm or offensive weapon offenses who have prior felony convictions. Under the new provisions, a first offense will be classified as a class D felony with a mandatory minimum confinement of two years, while a second offense will also be a class D felony with a four-year minimum. A third offense will escalate to a class C felony with a seven-year minimum, and a fourth or subsequent offense will remain a class C felony with a ten-year minimum. The maximum confinement for a class D felony is set at five years, and for a class C felony, it is ten years.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that courts cannot defer judgment or sentencing, nor can they suspend the execution of any mandatory minimum sentences imposed. It also specifies that any earned time accrued by individuals convicted under this bill will not reduce the mandatory minimum sentences, although it can be credited against their indeterminate term of incarceration. This legislation aims to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders to enhance public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 724.26