Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law allowing state authorities to arrest migrants previously denied entry or deported from the US, citing the Biden administration's failure to enforce immigration laws. The law makes it a misdemeanor offense for migrants to be in Iowa with outstanding deportation orders, and a felony offense if related to certain criminal convictions. The ACLU of Iowa criticized the law as extreme and unconstitutional, while the Justice Department has similarly challenged a similar Texas law, arguing that federal government has sole authority to enforce immigration laws.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill making it illegal for individuals with outstanding deportation orders or previous denials of entry to be in the state, giving law enforcement the power to enforce immigration laws. The legislation, set to take effect on July 1, has drawn criticism from activists and migrant groups, who view it as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law making it a state crime for a person to enter Iowa after being deported or denied entry into the U.S., accusing the Biden administration of failing to enforce immigration laws. The new law, set to take effect on July 1, allows Iowa police officers to make arrests in most places, but not in schools, places of worship, or health care facilities. The move aligns Iowa with Texas in seeking to enforce immigration limits outside the federal system, with opponents criticizing it as a "political stunt" and a "false promise."
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a Texas-style immigration law criminalizing "illegal reentry" into the state, allowing Iowa officers to arrest undocumented immigrants who attempt to enter after being previously deported or barred from the US. Reynolds criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies and stated that the new law gives Iowa law enforcement the power to enforce existing immigration laws. The law creates a new crime of illegal reentry, with penalties ranging from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class C felony, and includes provisions for arresting individuals in specific locations. The law has been met with protests from immigrant rights groups, who have vowed to fight it through legal actions, strikes, and rallies.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that strengthens protections for religious freedom, allowing individuals to sue for damages if they feel their religious freedom is violated, while opponents argue that it could lead to increased discrimination.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, stating that it is necessary to protect religious rights, while Democrats argue that it could lead to discrimination. The bill has sparked debate, with Republicans claiming it safeguards religious freedom and Democrats expressing concerns about potential discrimination and unintended consequences.
Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, a prominent figure in Iowa agriculture, has passed away at the age of 64. Northey served as Iowa’s agriculture secretary for 11 years before taking on an administrative role in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Known for his tireless advocacy for agriculture, he was remembered by colleagues and officials as a dedicated leader and advocate for farmers. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in his honor, and funeral arrangements are pending. Northey's unexpected passing has deeply impacted the Iowa farm community and beyond, with many expressing their condolences and highlighting his significant contributions to agriculture.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds introduced a bill that defines "sex," "man," and "woman" in state law, drawing criticism from LGBTQ advocates who call it "LGBTQ erasure." The bill requires changes to public health data collection, birth certificates, and anti-discrimination protections, defining a person's sex as their sex assigned at birth and specifying criteria for "female" and "male." Critics argue that the bill could lead to discrimination against transgender individuals and complicate circumstances for children with same-sex parents. Similar legislation has been passed in other states, and opponents argue that the bill violates privacy and constitutional rights.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds proposes overhauling the state's Area Education Agencies, arguing that the current nine agencies are unnecessary and costly, despite previously stating she had no intention of closing any agencies. Reynolds wants to give school districts the option to keep their special education funding and decide whether to continue working with the AEAs or seek services elsewhere. She also proposes raising Iowa's teacher pay and creating supplemental teacher pay funds, but her plan has faced criticism from Democrats who argue it will result in worse services for students and create uncertainty for the AEAs.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has revised her proposal to overhaul the state's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) after facing backlash, allowing the AEAs to continue providing general education and media services if requested by school districts. The proposed bill would give school districts the option to use state and federal special education funds to hire employees or a private company instead of relying on AEAs. Reynolds emphasized that the bill aims to give schools control over their funds and create more transparency in the system, while also ensuring AEAs can provide education support. Democrats criticized Reynolds for not engaging with them and urged Iowans to voice their concerns, while members of the public will have the opportunity to speak with lawmakers on the proposed changes.
Journalists discuss the impact of Donald Trump's limited campaigning in Iowa, Ron DeSantis' strong ground game, and Nikki Haley's surge in the Iowa caucuses. They also highlight Vivek Ramaswamy's unconventional campaign tactics and the influence of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Local issues like carbon capture pipelines are also shaping the race, while national issues dominate the campaign.
Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds reportedly used a little-known Twitter account to praise Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and criticize former President Donald Trump, with only 259 followers before it was suspended. The account, @Kimberl26890376, did not link back to Reynolds' official accounts and made no reference to her identity as governor. Reynolds endorsed DeSantis for president last November and broke with tradition by doing so ahead of the Iowa caucuses.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been using a secondary Twitter account, @Kimberl26890376, to express her unfiltered opinions on the Republican presidential primary race, particularly in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida over former President Donald Trump. The account, which was not linked to her verified political or official governor's account, had 259 followers, including influential Iowa political operatives, and was confirmed to be hers. After The New York Times published an article about it, the account was suspended, and a spokesman for Ms. Reynolds did not respond to a request for comment.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds proposed boosting teacher pay, overhauling special education services, and cutting income taxes in her annual State of the State address. She also aims to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers, legalize over-the-counter birth control, and consolidate state behavioral health services. Additionally, Reynolds plans to create a program to connect churches and nonprofits with families in need, eliminate state boards and commissions, and introduce legislation to prohibit minors from accessing online porn.
Former President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the Perry, Iowa community following the recent high school shooting, but then controversially stated, "we have to get over it." The shooting resulted in the death of a sixth grader and injuries to five others. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called it a "senseless tragedy," while White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described it as "heart-wrenching." Trump also made false claims about Antifa and the FBI's involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack during his campaign rally in Iowa.