• Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Benton County FFA Members
    Benton County FFA Members
  • Article Photo. Central County FFA
    Central County FFA
  • Article Photo. Veteran's Day on the Hill
    Veteran's Day on the Hill
  • Article Photo. Preparing legislation for this session
    Preparing legislation for this session


 

On Monday, we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and remembered the work he did to transform our country. On that same day, we also celebrated the peaceful transfer of power from President Biden to President Trump. Inauguration day is a day that embodies the greatness of the American republic and symbolizes the unity of the citizens in our country. As we look at the issues facing our country, like the rising cost of living, the energy crisis, and open border that puts the security of our country at risk, I am hopeful the new administration can face these challenges head on. I also believe that the future of our country is bright, especially in the State of Iowa.

Wednesday was a busy day for me at the Capitol. I started my day with a tour with the Springville-Lisbon FFA Chapter. It was FFA Day on the Hill, so I enjoyed visiting with these students from Benton County. After the tour, I had my first subcommittee of the year for Senate File 33. SF 33 is a bill that I wrote and am running to provide credit for accrued sick leave for certain retired law enforcement officers. If you would like to read the bill, you can find it at the bottom of this article.

On Wednesday, we also had Veterans Day at the Capitol. On this day, we honored and remembered the men and women who have bravely served this country. Their commitment to ensuring our country ¢â‚¬â„¢s freedoms and defending our values across the globe reminds me of the tremendous sacrifice they make on behalf of all Americans. I would like to thank all our veterans who have served in the United States military for their unwavering dedication and selfless acts of courage to protect those of us at home. Thank you to all who have and continue to serve this great country.

To end my day at the Capitol on Wednesday, I joined some of my colleagues for the Workforce committee. The committee was rather short as we considered and passed SSB 1014. As the weeks go on, we will see more issues brought before subcommittees and committees. Some of the issues worked on this week include the hands-free bill discussed by Governor Kim Reynolds, judicial issues, reforming county supervisor districts, and excusing those 75-years-old and older from jury service. While I work on  legislation, please reach out to me share your thoughts and questions.

Law Enforcement Protections Pass Senate Subcommittee
 
Some of the legislation that I would like to bring to your attention includes Senate Study Bill 1010. A Senate subcommittee passed SSB 1010, reforming the disciplinary process for city employees and banning citizen review boards for law enforcement. The changes in this bill would provide a more objective disciplinary process, take politics out of the process, remove any conflicts of interest, and provide more clarifications for civil service commissions to ensure a fairer process.
 
As a cop myself, I believe in standing up for law enforcement and ensuring they have the tools they need to do their jobs successfully. The legislature has passed laws that protect officers and the tough decisions they may have to make on duty. Through it, we held cities accountable for allowing violent rioting that damaged property and businesses. We also increased penalties for rioters who caused harm and damage to communities. The legislature has also made looting a crime in Iowa and raised penalties for fake reports to law enforcement.
 
Currently, civil service commissions are appointed to review complaints and disciplinary actions concerning officers and other city employees. The bill would require employees only be disciplined with just cause and require evidence that an act or failure to act by the employee was in violation of law, city policy, or department rules, or if the employee is mentally or physically unfit according to existing law. It also takes politically-motivated boards that tend to act on public opinion rather than facts out of the process, and makes sure an officer can only be fired if a state law was actually broken, or city policies or department rules were violated.
 
Additionally, the bill makes a number of changes to make the disciplinary process fairer. When appeals are filed with the civil service commission, a trial or hearing would have to be scheduled within normal city business hours unless otherwise agreed upon. It would also allow attorneys representing either party to serve subpoenas, require that material be shared with all other parties, and also says an attorney who represents the commission in a trial cannot also represent the city or its officers or employees in the same trial.
 
Senate Study Bill 1010 is one more way we can keep our commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensure a fairer process for disciplinary actions. With the passage of it through subcommittee this week, it is now eligible to be brought and debated by the full committee. I look forward to continuing this conversation and talking about why this bill is important for our brave men and women in law enforcement and making these civil proceedings better for our state.

Thank You District 42!

Feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns regarding how I can best serve you as your Senator. I look forward to another great week of representing the people of District 42!

email: Charlie.McClintock@legis.iowa.gov 

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