Branstad signs bill allowing public records to be erased for those with dismissed charges

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad on Friday signed 14 bills into law, including a measure that allows for the expunging of public records of dismissed charges and those that result in acquittal.

Senate File 385 says an individual may petition courts to expunge records in which criminal charges were dismissed or the defendant was acquitted.

Supporters say individuals cleared of charges sometimes face public shame and difficulty getting jobs, and online public records are not clear as to when charges resulted in acquittal or dismissal.

The law takes effect next year.

Another measure signed into law Friday requires wireless communication companies to provide call location information to law enforcement upon request. Law enforcement agencies may make such requests in

emergency situations or situations involving the risk of danger or death.

Another bill signed into law adds blue and white lights to the colors state vehicles may display as part of Iowa's 'move over” law. Vehicles must pull over for state snow removal trucks and other vehicles

that display yellow, amber, red and now blue and white lights.