Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 2:50 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has passed a resolution that would amend the Iowa Constitution to declare there is no right to an abortion in the state. The measure passed 32-18 with only Republican votes. It says the Iowa Constitution “shall not be construed to recognize, grant or secure a right to abortion or to require the public funding of abortion.” It must pass in the House this year and the legislature again in 2021 or 2022 before it goes to a statewide vote. If voters eventually approve, the amendment would make it easier for lawmakers to pass abortion restrictions in Iowa.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The National Weather Service says there’s an elevated flood risk along the eastern Missouri River basin this spring. That’s because the soil remains wet and significant snow is on the ground in North Dakota and South Dakota. Communities along the lower Missouri River already were bracing for the prospect of more flooding this spring because many of their levees remain in poor shape after last year’s massive flooding. Nearly everywhere that flooded last year in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri is at some risk to flood again because of the extensive damage to levees.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — A prosecutor told jurors on the opening day of a murder trial that they were going on a journey in time to learn about an Iowa high school girl who was slain more than 40 years ago. Testimony began Wednesday in the trial of Jerry Burns. He’s accused of fatally stabbing 18-year-old Michelle Martinko at a Cedar Rapids mall. A prosecutor says Martinko’s lungs and aorta were pierced and she lost about a third of her blood. The prosecutor also says DNA shows that Burns’ blood was found at the crime scene. But defense attorney Leon Spies told jurors that evidence will show Burns isn’t guilty of first-degree murder.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A child psychologist who was formerly the top administrator at a state hospital in Kansas is facing a federal lawsuit in Iowa involving sexual arousal experiments on residents at the Glenwood Resource Center, a state facility for people with intellectual disabilities. Jerry Rea conducted similar research in Kansas while running the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services says its initial investigation of sexual arousal research in Kansas suggests ethics guidelines and proper protocols were followed. Six former employees filed the federal lawsuit Monday, alleging they were fired or forced to resign because they questioned Rea’s activities.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has passed a resolution that would amend the Iowa Constitution to declare there is no right to an abortion in the state. The measure passed 32-18 with only Republican votes. It says the Iowa Constitution “shall not be construed to recognize, grant or secure a right to abortion or to require the public funding of abortion.”

It must pass in the House this year and the legislature again in 2021 or 2022 before it goes to a statewide vote. If voters eventually approve, the amendment would make it easier for lawmakers to pass abortion restrictions in Iowa.

The Red Oak Police Department reports the arrest on Thursday of 39-year-old Amanda Marie Graham of Red Oak for Domestic Abuse Assault. Graham was arrested at 302 Elm Street in Red Oak at about 2:19 p.m. Thursday. The incident for which she was arrested took place on Wednesday at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Graham was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on no bond until she goes before a magistrate judge.

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 2144 which allocates over $21 million to flood recovery efforts and provides additional money to provide assistance to Glenwood Resource Center. SF 2144 passed both the Iowa House and Senate unanimously.

“These dollars will go to immediate needs for levee repairs and flood recovery as we prepare for this spring’s potential flooding impacts in Iowa,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I want to thank the Iowa Legislature for their swift bipartisan work to send this bill to my desk.”

This bill appropriates more than $21 million to the Flood Recovery Fund within the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Last year, Gov. Reynolds proposed and with legislative support funded $15 million into the fund. Those dollars went to critical flood recovery and redevelopment opportunities in communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2019.

SF 2144 also allocates $333,000 to the Department of Human Services to support their efforts to make changes at the Glenwood Resource Center. It will be used for clinical assessments by University of Iowa staff, expert evaluations, and to provide technical assistance on process and procedures.

“The legislation also appropriates money to DHS to support their ongoing efforts to make changes at Glenwood Resource Center.  I want to thank DHS Director Kelly Garcia for hitting the ground running on day one,” said Gov. Reynolds. “We know that we have a long way to go, but the residents, families, and our employees will always come first and foremost.”

SF 2144: an act relating to financial and regulatory matters by making supplementing appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Feb. 13, 2020 – Due to an overnight crash, southbound Interstate 29 will be closed at South Expressway for repairs tomorrow, Friday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., weather permitting.

During the closure, southbound I-29 traffic is encouraged to use the eastbound I-80 Express (see map). Southbound I-29 Local traffic will need to exit at the South Expressway (Exit 49) and detour to U.S. 275, or find an alternate route.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.