19 February 2023 :
Senate panel advances bill SF 14 to reinstate the death penalty for some crimes
The bill, introduced by Sen. Brad Zaun (R), on Wednesday passed the Judiciary Committee, where Republicans have the majority.
Senate File 14 would only apply the death penalty in cases where a person is convicted of multiple offenses of murder in the first degree, as well as kidnapping and sexual abuse against the same minor. Under current law, the maximum penalty would be life in prison without possibility of parole.
Iowa has not had the death penalty since 1965, but legislation reestablishing it has come up many times over the past several decades.