A new Iowa law increasing penalties for assaults against law enforcement officers and first responders took effect on Tuesday. The measure, championed by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird during the most recent legislative session, raises penalties for a range of offenses against law enforcement, corrections officers, and emergency responders. Bird says, “Starting [Tuesday], Iowa’s law works harder to protect our law enforcement heroes who daily put on their badge and risk their lives to keep us safe. We want these women and men to know that in Iowa, we back the blue.” Under the new law, assaults involving a dangerous weapon or intent to cause serious injury can result in up to 10 years in prison. Assaults causing bodily injury carry a penalty of up to five years. All other assaults against first responders now require a mandatory minimum of seven days in jail. The law also elevates spitting on officers to the same category as assault with other bodily fluids.
