Culver signs bills into law

By Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver on Monday signed into law legislation designed to make it harder for sexually violent predators to be released from prison.

House File 676 would raise the standard for civilly committed prisoners to obtain a final hearing to determine whether they should be released. Currently, a committed person is entitled to a hearing each year if they prove by a preponderance of evidence there is evidence that would lead a competent person to believe a final hearing should be held.

The bill would change that standard to a preponderance of evidence there is "relevant and reliable" evidence.

Also Monday, Culver signed legislation that would earmark $1 million in Iowa Power Fund money to create a program whereby cities, counties, non-profit groups and others can apply for community energy grants.

The program -- offering grants from $1,000 up to $50,000 -- is geared to encourage more energy efficiency and savings. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds of up to 50 percent for qualifying projects.

And finally, new criminal penalties could be imposed for caretakers who knowingly or intentionally abuse dependent adults under legislation Culver signed on Monday. Backers said Senate File 438 would cover situations in which no physical injury occurred but intentional action could be deemed as abusive.