Meeting Public Comments

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HF 2542

A bill for an act relating to habitual offenders, and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 666.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Bousselot-CH, Dawson, Knox

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026

Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Location: Room 315

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

03-11-2026

Roberta Gilbert

HF 2542 should not advance for three reasons. First, Iowa already has numerous laws that impose lengthy mandatory minimum sentences upon dangerous offenders (including, but not limited to, the 70% rule, the weapons enhancement, and the forcible felony provisions contained within Iowa Code chapter 902). Second, this bill would substantially increase the length of stay in Iowas prisons, would contribute to further prison overcapacity, and would significantly increase the costs to operate Iowas prisons. The third, and perhaps most egregious issue with this bill, is that it assigns a point or halfpoint to all aggravated misdemeanors. A conviction on a nonviolent, aggravated misdemeanor (such as possession of marijuana, third offense) could be the conviction that elevates a defendant to habitual offender statusresulting in a twentyyear mandatory minimum sentence on what would otherwise be a twoyear offense. Please vote against HF 2542.

03-12-2026

Bryan Widenhouse [Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)]

HF 2542 should not pass. Justice should be individualized and fair. While judges should have the power to impose lengthier sentences appropriately, they should maintain discretionary power to mete judgements proportional to the crime and circumstances. The problem of habitual repeat offenders is not wholly the result of inadequate punishment. Multiple factors need improvement to achieve a solution. Better investments into rehabilitative programming reduces recidivism rates. Systemic barriers after incarceration make it difficult for returning citizens to find stable housing or meaningful employment. Effective reentry programming significantly empowers people to rejoin communities. HF 2542 is not a proactive solution to a multifaceted problem. I encourage you to invest in people, not prisons, and ask you to vote no.