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PAG LIN
1 1 Section 1. Section 216.2, subsection 12, unnumbered
1 2 paragraph 2, Code 1995, is amended to read as follows:
1 3 "Public accommodation" includes each state and local
1 4 government unit or tax-supported district of whatever kind,
1 5 nature, or class that offers services, facilities, benefits,
1 6 grants, or goods to the public, gratuitously or otherwise.
1 7 "Public accommodation" also includes each jail or other penal,
1 8 correctional, or detention facility of the state or a
1 9 political subdivision of the state and each community-based
1 10 correctional program of a judicial district department of
1 11 correctional services. This paragraph shall not be construed
1 12 by negative implication or otherwise to restrict any part or
1 13 portion of the pre-existing definition of the term "public
1 14 accommodation".
1 15 EXPLANATION
1 16 This bill amends the Iowa civil rights Act by expanding the
1 17 definition of "public accommodation" to include jails and
1 18 other penal, correctional, and detention facilities of the
1 19 state and its political subdivisions. Community-based
1 20 correctional programs are also included in the definition.
1 21 The Iowa civil rights commission has jurisdiction over
1 22 unfair and discriminatory practices with respect to public
1 23 accommodations.
1 24 BACKGROUND STATEMENT
1 25 SUBMITTED BY THE AGENCY
1 26 This bill would extend jurisdiction of the Iowa Civil
1 27 Rights Commission (ICRC) to investigate complaints from
1 28 inmates and detainees in Iowa correctional facilities,
1 29 programs, and county jails and municipal holding facilities.
1 30 The ICRC has reduced its investigative backlog in recent
1 31 years and consideration should be given to extending the
1 32 protections it offers to incarcerated persons. Statistics
1 33 indicate that racial minorities are incarcerated in Iowa at a
1 34 rate disproportionate to the percentage they comprise of the
1 35 state's population. Recent experience in the office of
2 1 citizens' aide/ombudsman has noted an increase in the number
2 2 of complaints and concerns raised by prisoners claiming
2 3 prejudicial or discriminatory acts by corrections officials.
2 4 LSB 1134DP 76
2 5 mk/sc/14
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