Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2014

Introduced
1/8/24  
Introduced
1/8/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to investigation by a sheriff of an employee who is an immediate family member of the sheriff.(See SF 2277.)

Impact

The legislation makes significant modifications to existing laws relating to the governance of sheriff's departments in Iowa. By requiring external authorities to handle investigations of family members within the sheriff's office, the bill seeks to enhance accountability and transparency. This measure is expected to impact how local law enforcement agencies manage potential internal conflicts, safeguarding the integrity of the disciplinary process and providing assurance to civilians that investigations will be conducted fairly.

Summary

Senate File 2014, introduced by Senator Cournoyer, addresses the procedure for investigating employees of county sheriffs who are immediate family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity) of the sheriff. The bill stipulates that any disciplinary or criminal investigation involving such employees must be conducted by the attorney general or the department of public safety instead of the sheriff himself or herself. This change aims to maintain a degree of impartiality and prevent potential conflicts of interest during investigations.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SF2014 may reveal pre-existing tensions related to nepotism and accountability in law enforcement. Opponents might argue that removing the sheriff's direct oversight of investigations involving family members could impede timely and efficient disciplinary actions. Supporters, on the other hand, may emphasize that the bill is a necessary step to ensure integrity and objectivity, ultimately improving the public's trust in law enforcement agencies. The balance between maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring ethical practices is likely to be a key point of contention in the legislative discourse.

Companion Bills

IA SF2277

Similar To A bill for an act relating to investigation by a sheriff of an employee who is an immediate family member of the sheriff.(Formerly SF 2014.)

Previously Filed As

IA HB491

A BILL to amend and reenact § 9.1-400 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Line of Duty Act; sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

IA HB491

Line of Duty Act; eligibility for sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

IA HB130

A BILL to amend and reenact § 65.2-402 of the Code of Virginia, relating to workers' compensation; presumption for certain cancers; sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

IA A08520

Establishes a twenty-two year retirement program for deputy sheriff members who are employed by the city of New York as a deputy city sheriff level one, deputy city sheriff level two, supervising deputy sheriff or administrative sheriff.

IA S07866

Establishes a twenty-two year retirement program for deputy sheriff members who are employed by the city of New York as a deputy city sheriff level one, deputy city sheriff level two, supervising deputy sheriff or administrative sheriff.

IA H2279

Relative to travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and constables

IA H5119

Travel mileage rate fees for sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and constables

IA HB48

Provides relative to membership in the Sheriffs' Pension and Relief Fund (EN SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE FC)

IA HB1851

Workers' compensation; presumption of certain cancers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

IA HB2687

Workers' compensation; presumption of certain cancers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.

Similar Bills

NJ A5045

Concerns investigative genetic genealogy; appropriates $500,000.

NJ S2668

Codifies AG directive concerning criminal investigations of law enforcement use-of-force and in-custody deaths.

MS HB7

Criminal investigators; add to the 22nd Circuit Court District.

TX HB140

Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.

CA SB697

Determination of water rights: stream system.

MI HB4789

Health: other; individualized investigational treatment for certain patients suffering from a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness; provide for. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of 2014 PA 345 (MCL 333.26451 et seq.) & adds sec. 2a.

TX HB318

Relating to the establishment of grant programs to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff's departments in certain rural counties.

CA AB2321

Bureau of Investigations.