Death penalty debated for murder of police, prison employees

Iowa lawmakers discussed a proposal Monday to reinstate the death penalty. (Photo illustration via Canva)

State senators gave initial approval Monday to a bill that would bring back the death penalty in Iowa for first-degree murder cases where a person intentionally murders a police officer or prison employee.

Senate Study Bill 3085 is one of two bills to be discussed this session to reinstate capital punishment in Iowa. It passed a three-member subcommittee with two Republican votes.

The practice, abolished in the state in 1965, often has been proposed by Republican lawmakers in recent decades as a punishment for specific crimes. None of the bills have reached the governor’s desk.

The legislation advanced Monday would allow for the death penalty to be imposed in cases where a person is convicted of first-degree murder and of intentionally killing of a peace officer, or correctional o fficer, hostage or other public employee while in a correctional facility .

Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, read lawmakers a letter that she said she has read almost every legislative session since 2018 in opposition to the death penalty.

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