Every year the Iowa Legislature passes many laws relevant to law enforcement officers and the criminal justice system. Officers are responsible for knowing and understanding the changes that relate to the execution of their duties.
Some of these laws create new criminal offenses covering specific fact scenarios. For example:
- Drivers are prohibited from possessing open beverages that contain any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”). Passengers are also prohibited from possessing open containers with any amount of THC.
- Drivers are also generally prohibited from using electronic devices while driving unless the device is in hands-free mode (Note: Citations may not be issued for this offense until January 1, 2026).
- Any person who defrauds another person by requesting payment in gift cards may be guilty of a new offense punishing this specific conduct.
The new laws impact law enforcement officers in ways beyond creating new offenses. For example:
- After an officer-involved shooting, the officers, their attorneys, and their agencies are specifically provided the right to obtain a written report detailing the investigation.
- Emergency medical services who respond to a crime scene are specifically authorized to provide medical treatment to severely injured K9s at the scene.
- On July 3, 4, and December 31, local ordinances cannot restrict the use of fireworks beyond state law restrictions.
Some of the other new laws include changes to the minimum ages for obtaining weapons permits, updates to the list of controlled substances, and authorization to waive certain law enforcement training requirements for military veterans with active duty military experience. In addition, the legislature amended the laws governing distribution of obscene material to minors and unauthorized use of drones over farmland.
Interested in learning more about our online police training?
Police Legal Sciences offers online Iowa law enforcement training link: https://www.policelegalsciences.com/ on a wide variety of practical issues to help police officers make good decisions in challenging situations.