This bill amends the existing law regarding habitual offenders in Iowa by redefining the criteria for such offenders and establishing new penalties. It introduces a classification system for offenses, categorizing them into level one and level two offenses. Level one offenses include serious crimes such as class A, B, C, and D felonies, as well as aggravated misdemeanors related to sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and organized retail theft, with each conviction in this category worth one point. Level two offenses encompass other aggravated misdemeanors and serious misdemeanors involving bodily injury or mental illness, with each conviction in this category worth half a point. A person is classified as a habitual offender if they accumulate three or more points from these offenses.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals sentenced as habitual offenders will not be eligible for parole or work release until they have served a minimum of 20 years, unless the current level one offense carries a higher minimum sentence. The bill also modifies the language in Section 902.9 regarding the sentencing of habitual offenders, changing the phrasing to clarify that they will be sentenced to confinement as provided in the newly defined Section 902.8. Overall, this legislation aims to impose stricter penalties on habitual offenders to enhance public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 902.8, 708.2A