Ends police chokeholds, bans dept. hiring of cops with bad records, gives attorney general more authority over misconduct investigations
DES MOINES — Iowa Democratic Party Chair and State Rep. Mark Smith released the following statement after the Iowa House and Senate unanimously passed the Plan for a More Perfect Union into law:
“This is one of the most important pieces of legislation I’ve had the honor of voting for in my time as a public servant. Our country needs change and this bill is progress. It’s on us to listen to the Black Lives Matter activists and organizers who have brought our nation together in a call to action for justice. While our work is far from finished, this bill is a starting point of common sense measures that lay the groundwork for systematic change that Black communities deserve.
“As I prepare to leave this chamber for the final session, I’m hopeful that this bill is just the beginning of our work to change the system and fulfill our long-overdue task of ensuring equality and justice for all Iowans. Iowa Democrats will not be silent in this time of action. We stand in solidarity with the thousands of Iowans who are peacefully protesting racism and police brutality across our state. Democrats are committed to honoring George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the victims of police brutality whose names we don’t know with our actions, and most importantly: with our vote.”