Iowa Senate Passes Bills Increasing Sex Crime Penalties, Loosens Education License Rules

(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Senate is passing several bills to the desk of Governor Reynolds. One proposal increases the penalties for different sex crimes involving minors, undercover law enforcement officers posing as minors, and stalking. A different bill lets the board of educational examiners issue licenses to teacher assistants who are under 21 years of age. Another ready for Reynolds’ signature would let licensed mental health professionals provide care anywhere, anytime–as long as the client agrees.