More Than 120 New Iowa Laws Take Effect July 1

(Des Moines, IA) -- More than 120 new Iowa laws passed this session take effect July 1.

Among them: a new “Three Strikes” law creates tougher penalties for repeat felony offenders. The law requires anyone convicted of a Class C or D felony, after two prior felony convictions, to serve a minimum of seven years in prison without the possibility of parole. It increases the maximum prison sentence for habitual offenders from 15 to 20 years.

The default speed limit on rural two-lane state highways and rural roads increases to 60 mph, up from 55 mph. To put the new limits in place, the Iowa Department of Transportation has to swap out 1,800 signs, costing about 270-thousand dollars.

And, Iowa now requires in-person doctor visits for abortion pill access. Doctors will be required to look for signs of coercion or abuse, and provide materials about potential risks and complications during the visits.

See a list of all the laws going into effect HERE.