Safe haven extension proposal raises concerns in Iowa
Iowa lawmakers weigh expanding the safe haven provision from newborns 14 days old to up to a year. Advocates fear a longer window could encourage abandonment of at risk infants while supporters cite offering better parenting support and alternatives. Public officials note past use and call for clearer publicity and parent contact requirements.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rod Boshart
Des Moines
Iowa
Safe Haven
Stephen Scott
Iowa considers widening safe haven on infant surrender
House File 2135 would extend Iowa safe haven protections to a child age one year or younger, expanding beyond the current 14 day limit. Rep. Ron Jorgenson and supporters note most states allow birth to 30 days and seek cross state comparisons before a Feb 24 funnel deadline. Rickman cites $55,000 in federal money used to promote the program since 2001 with limited follow up due to funding.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wendy Rickman
State Department of Human Services
Tom Chapman
Iowa Catholic Conference
Iowa
Rickman
Ron Jorgenson
Sioux City
House
Senate
Jorgenson
Senate panel advances plan to raise Iowa gas tax
A Senate committee approved a bill to raise the state motor fuel excise tax by five cents per gallon, with proceeds split 60 percent for state transportation projects and 40 percent for cities and counties. The measure would also extend ethanol and biodiesel tax breaks and study future highway funding changes. Opponents cited higher costs, while proponents argued for funding needs. Currently Iowa taxes are 19 cents ethanol blended, 21 cents unleaded, and 22.5 cents diesel per gallon.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Bulleill
Cales
Bridge
Tehway
Ott CY
Jim Hahn
R-Muscatine
Brad Zaun
Urbandale
Hahn
Ian
Iowa
DOT
Linn County Sheriff urges lawmakers to fund existing child safety programs
Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner asks Iowa legislators to continue funding social safety net programs like Head Start and in home visits to prevent child abuse and break the multigenerational crime cycle. He stressed many cases go unreported and urged sustaining programs that address early risk factors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Martites Des Mantes
Bureau Des Molones
Shecup
Brian Gardner
Gardner Wiso
Gardner
Iowa
Animal protection footage targets Iowa pig farm
Compassion Over Killing released undercover video showing alleged abuse at a Leland pig breeding farm filmed by an investigator in December 2011. The group pushes a Senate debate on an amended House File 589 creating agricultural production facility fraud for false pretenses to gain access to farms or food-processing operations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Animal Protection
Animal Protection Organization
Compassion Over Killing
Leland
Iowa Senate
Capitol Digest signals on contested bills and ethics debate
The report outlines unverified claims of covert filming by animal rights groups tied to a debated bill, plus Senate actions on child abuse whistleblower protections and choking penalties. It notes speculation by Senate leaders, a bipartisan education committee vote, and a state dinner with Chinese officials at the Capitol.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Mike Gromnstal
Council Blutts
Gronstal
Terry Branstad
S.F
Iowa
Gov. Tern
Branstad
X. Jinping
State Capitol
Also Mentioned on This Page
Scott
Mark Smith
Marshalltown
Smith
U.S
Jodi Tomsanovic
Family Planning Council of Iowa
Brian Ray
the Gazette
Helen G. Nassif
Marshall Town
Boshar
Medtia Net
Oes Iiqouines
Woenteschiy
Tomiecberghy
Bosharesource Media Net
James Q. Lynch
Imes Lynch
Sourcemedia Tet
Brian
Gardne
LU Wakersheritt
Capitol Digest
Gazette
Bes Mores
Buttau
aVallo
Club Meskwaki
Meskwakicom
Bob
Tama Iowa
Wactagny
Umwaalasik
Iowa Eye Center
Iowaeyecenter
Cedar Rapids
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