(Radio Iowa) – House Republicans are proposing longer sentences for violent offenders with previous convictions and new restrictions in the bail system. Representative Steve Holt of Denison says the mandatory sentences would be for serious crimes that endanger public safety.

“I think if you talk to any law enforcement officer, they will pretty much tell you a small number of people commit the majority of crime in our communities,” Holt said. “There are a number of people that simply aren’t willing to be rehabilitated.” A member of the Iowa Board of Parole has raised concerns about tougher sentencing laws, suggesting prison overcrowding may force early releases for some inmates.

Holt say that’s unlikely. A The bill about bail would remove much of the discretion judges and magistrates have in setting bail for people charged with a crime. It also says only those charged with simple misdemeanors or crimes that are non-violent, non-drug crimes would be eligible for release without posting bail. Representative Mike Vondran of Davenport says the bail system desperately needs change.

“We have too many victims that are taking a second seat to the individual that’s committed the act,” Vondran said. “Too often we’re seeing these sometimes violent offenders being able to walk very quickly.” A third bill would create a state-run website with information about how judges have ruled on criminal cases, the sentences they impose and how often their decisions are reversed by a higher court.

Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City says it would be a state-run website, but Republicans in the House haven’t decide which branch of state government would be responsible for creating and maintaining it. “But make it available to the public so the public knows is this judge acting appropriately or inappropriately,” Thomson said. Thomson says the information could be accessible to voters making decisions about judicial retention elections.

Iowa governors appoint judges, but judges must periodically get a majority of votes in Iowa General Elections to keep their jobs.