Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans in the Iowa Legislature are backing newly filed legislation that would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which would be the strictest ban in the country if enacted. A GOP-led House committee had been set to vote on the provision Tuesday night but lawmakers later adjourned without a decision. It’s expected to be taken up again today (Wednesday). The provision could ban abortions as early as six weeks in a pregnancy.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A top Iowa regulator has maintained a busy and profitable private law practice even as she’s been responsible for complex matters such as the Dakota Access pipeline and renewable energy policy. A review by The Associated Press shows that Iowa Utilities Board chairwoman Geri Huser has been involved in 50 matters as an attorney during her two-year tenure, signing documents and occasionally appearing at hearings during normal workhours. The outside work adds income to her $128,900 state salary.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has unanimously voted for a bill that would add restrictions to how authorities can seize money and other items from people suspected of illegal activity. The legislation passed Tuesday and now heads to the House. Civil forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement to take money or property from a person suspected of illegal activity. The bill in Iowa would require seized cash or property to be returned if it’s valued at less than $5,000 and there’s no conviction.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — A man charged with stabbing his sister to death has chosen to have a judge, not a jury, decide his fate. The Sioux City Journal reports that 34-year-old Thomas Bibler on Friday waived his right to a jury trial in Plymouth County District Court.