(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa prison officials and union leaders are warning the state’s correctional system may not be prepared for a sharp rise in inmates under a new habitual offender law. This law doubles mandatory minimum sentences for third-time felony convictions.
The nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency projects Iowa’s prison population could increase by nearly 50% within three years because of the new law. Iowa’s prison system is already operating at around 27% over capacity.
The state plans to build three new prisons, but union leaders say there are already more than 230 vacant positions across the prison system. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says staffing these positions may be impossible.
