The State Laws of Iowa
Disclaimer:
Due to the fact that individual state laws are constantly subject to change, individuals are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to engaging in any activity, action, or event in which the expressed legality may come into question. Furthermore, individuals interested in attaining information with regard to individual state legislature are also encouraged to perform independent research in order to substantiate the relevancy and current state(s) of specific legislation.
Iowa Abortion Laws
• Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion in Iowa: "Feticide": Intentional termination of human pregnancy after end of second trimester. "Abortion": Termination of a human pregnancy with the intent other than to produce a live birth or remove a dead fetus. "Partial Birth Equivalent": A person who intentionally kills a viable fetus aborted alive shall be guilty of a Class B felony.
• Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion in Iowa: Necessary to preserve life or health of mother or fetus; after end of second trimester with every reasonable effort made to preserve life of viable fetus
• Penalty for Unlawful Abortion: Class C felony (attempted feticide-Class D felony)
Iowa Marijuana Laws
• Sale: Under 50 kg.: Class D felony, fine $1000 to $5000; 50 to 100 kg.: Class C felony, fine $1000 to $50,000; 100 to 1000 kg.: Class B felony, $5000 to $100,000; Over 1000 kg.: Class B felony with penalty of up to 50 yrs. and $1,000,000; Subsequent offense: triple penalties; more severe penalties for distribution to minor or to person 3 yrs. younger
Iowa DWI and DUI Laws
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI) charges exist in the event that an individual ingests illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled-substances, which may impair their respective ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; the following DUI and DWI laws exist within the state of Iowa:
• Zero tolerance laws exist in the event that an individual below the legal age permissible to consume alcohol is suspected to be unlawfully operating a motor vehicle; within the state of Iowa, the Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Content Level (BAC) cannot exceed .02%
• The BAC limit for individuals operating motor vehicles may not reach .08%; this can constitute a DUI or DWI offense
• In Iowa, there currently exist no supplementary penalties incurred due to BAC levels exceeding the expressed, legal limit
• Implied consent is a legal instrument that is employed within the realm of a DUI Arrest that entails a verbal or written contract resulting from the willing participation in a regulated activity, such as the operation of a motor vehicle; within Iowa, law enforcement agents are permitted to act in accordance with implied consent laws
• Upon a DUI or DWI conviction, and individuals is subject to undergo the loss of driving privileges for a period of no less than 90 days’ time; penalties can range upwards of 1 year in addition to the installation of an ignition interlock device
Iowa Gun Laws
• Iowa is a shall issue state in regards to permits for carrying weapons
• All applicants for gun permits must complete an approved training course
• A permit to acquire a gun shall be issued to qualified individuals who are over the age of 21. The permit will become valid three days after the date of the application and is valid for one year
• Illegal firearms in Iowa: Offensive weapons: machine guns, short-barreled rifle or shotgun; any weapon other than shotgun or muzzle-loading rifle, cannon, pistol, revolver, or musket, which fires or can be made to fire a projectile by the explosion of a propellant charge which has a barrel of more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter; any bullet containing any explosive mixture capable of exploding upon impact; silencer
• Who may not own guns in Iowa: Convicted felon; 2. under 18 yrs. old; 3. addicted to the use of alcohol or any controlled substance; 4. history of repeated acts of violence; 5. issuing officer reasonably determines applicant constitutes a danger to any person; 6. convicted of a crime defined in chapter 708
Iowa Adoption Laws
• Any person in Iowa may be adopted
• Child consent is needed for individuals over the age of 14
• Unmarried adults, husband and wife together, or husband and wife separately may adopt
Iowa Employment and Labor Laws
• Within the state of Iowa, the minimum wage is 7 dollars and 15 cents awarded per hour of labor
• State Holidays are listed as: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, and President’s Day result in the closing of public institutions only upon the decision set forth by the local board of trustees and government
• Within the state of Iowa, an individual’s employ cannot be terminated in the event that they report a violation or hazard taking place with regard to their respective employment – or place of employment
Iowa Divorce Laws
Within the state of Iowa, a divorce is defined as the termination of a marriage, which can occur upon a decision set forth by one or both partners involved in the marriage:
• A divorce must be filed subsequent to 60 days residence within the state of Iowa; in the event that an individual –or individuals – were married in Iowa and lived there on a continuous basis, a time constraint for filing does not exist
• ‘No Fault’ divorce does exist on the grounds of irreconcilable differences
Iowa Death Penalty Laws
• The death penalty is not allowed in Iowa
Iowa Gambling Laws
• Wagering on horse racing is legal in Iowa.
• Wagering on dog racing is legal in Iowa.
• Coin-operated games, excursion boat gambling, and gambling on Indian Reservations is legal. Gambling on land otherwise is prohibited.
Iowa Child Laws
Within the state of Iowa, the following stipulations with regard to child laws and child custody are recognized:
• Joint custody is permitted
• The rights implied within grandparental visitation are recognized
• The wishes of any or all children involves are taken into consideration with regard to a custody decision
