Legislative Study Committee on Civil Rights
Laws in Iowa
In 1990 a ten-member Legislative Study Committee was formed to study the
ability of existing agencies in Iowa to resolve civil rights complaints
initiated under current laws and to recommend ways to expedite case resolution.
The committee invited testimony from civil/human rights commissioners and
staff, including the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, and the League of Iowa
Municipalities.
A final report was submitted in January 1991 with the following recommendations:
(1) that the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the League of Iowa Municipalities
develop a pilot project concerning enforcement of civil rights laws, which
would involve local commissions who voluntarily agree to participate; (2)
that the Legislative Council appoint a task force to make recommendations
to strengthen civil rights law enforcement and enhance advocacy and education
in human rights; and (3) that the pending fair housing legislation be passed.
Statutory Changes (For complete text of these statutory changes, contact
the Commission office.)
Code of Iowa, Section 601A: The General Assembly passed, and the
Governor signed, changes in Section 601A.8, relating to unfair or
discriminatory practices in housing and real estate, and providing civil
remedies and a criminal penalty. Changes were also made in Section 601A.11,
relating to aiding, abetting and retaliation.
Iowa Administrative Code, 161, Chapter 3. "Complaint Process":
amendments were adopted in subrules 3.15(l) and subrule 3.15(4), relating
to motions to reopen matters previously closed by the Commission for the
purpose of issuing an administrative release.