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Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:
HSB 88
A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a sex offender to be granted a modification of sex offender registry requirements.(See HF 489.)
Subcommittee members: Westrich-CH, Anderson, Worthan
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: House Lounge
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
Comments Submitted:

01-21-2021
Brian Carter [Iowa Conference Church and Society, Legislative Advocacy]
Representatives thank you for your kind consideration of our concerns.I am Rev. Brian Carter, the Legislative Advocate for the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are registered AGAINST this bill.We believe in restorative justice which equally cares for the victim and perpetuator of crimes and the effect on the greater community. We don't believe that vengeful sentences are ultimately helpful to the victim or offender. The increase in the bill regarding penalties for Tier III offenders seems excessive and may not bring in consideration what effect it has on the life of the offender. Increasing the penalty to 25 years before they can apply for reduction of Tier seems over restrictive. People do change and it doesn't take 25 years. In addition to difficulty in finding housing, it restricts their use of parks and libraries. There is no indication that these recommended changes are based on studies regarding the changes in sex offender behavior. Restorative justice is also concerned with the victim and there is nothing here about mediation with the victim, or contact with the victim about changes in the offenders status. Please consider this objections. Thank you.