Tag: Iowa Legislature

Changes in Iowa Law – Effective July 1, 2022

It has become a tradition at GRL to highlight the Legislature’s activity over the past year that impacts GRL’s areas of legal practice.  Here are the top 5 changes in Iowa laws that GRL believes the Iowa public should be aware of in 2022: Taking out the Trash.  As we have repeatedly posted, the Iowa Legislature wants Iowan’s trash to be open season.  Not just by law enforcement but by anyone.  Senate File 2296, signed into law by the Governor states in part: “It is the public policy of this state that a person has no reasonable expectation of privacy in […]

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New Iowa Laws Taking Effect on July 1, 2021

2021 Legislative Summary of Criminal Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2021 Several new laws passed by the 2021 Iowa Legislature take effect on July, 1, 2021.  With the 4th of July holiday upon us, GRL Law wants to take the opportunity to recap some of the major laws taking effect this week that affect the clients we serve and the areas of law in which we frequently practice. Here are the Top 5 Criminal Law Changes According to GRL: Gun Law Changes A lot of changes came to Iowa gun laws this year, but the big hits, including permitless carry, […]

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GRL Law Pre Charge

Police Misconduct in Iowa – Factors and Solutions

Police misconduct exists in Iowa.  Racial disparities in Iowa’s criminal and civil justice system exist.  They are real.  They are problematic.  Unfortunately, neither police misconduct nor racial disparity in our justice systems are likely to undergo real, substantive reform anytime in the near future.  The reason?  The law, as it exists, fosters, breeds, and encourages misconduct and disparity. The courts are charged with interpreting and enforcing the laws as they exist.  The courts have no power to change the direction substantively.  While constitutional protections can be interpreted by our courts to invalidate outdated or overtly inequitable legislation, the Iowa courts […]

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CBD Legislation Awaits Governor’s Signature

On June 5, 2020, the Iowa Senate, by a vote of 48-1, passed the latest hemp provision that formally recognizes the legality of consumable hemp products in Iowa. The same measure met with approval in the Iowa House by a vote of 99-1 in March. All that’s left is a signature from Governor Reynolds. This legislation permits the retail sale and use of over-the-counter hemp extracts, such as CBD and CBG, containing less than 0.3% THC in the state. Consumable hemp products have been legal at the federal level since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, smokeable hemp […]

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How Laws are Made in Iowa

It’s that time again where we are inundated with those annoying political ads and door-to-door solicitors.  What you may not know is that it is also the time of year when the future of Iowa law is being shaped.  Right now our elected legislators are working to try to create new laws and amend existing laws.  The media has covered a number of controversial proposed legislation lately: an anti-abortion bill; the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”; and paying college student-athletes.  While these bills have grabbed the headlines, there are many other bills that have gone under the radar that would affect […]

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