New law turns Iowa vehicle enforcement officers into state troopers

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 513 into law Tuesday, moving motor vehicle enforcement duties under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety.

The Motor Vehicle Enforcement Agency, which consists of 100 staff, including 98 sworn officers, is currently under the Department of Transportation. The agency enforces federal and state laws on commercial truck weights and safety, among other duties.

The officers in the agency will serve as state troopers under the new alignment, Iowa State Patrol Col. Nathan Fulk said.

The change will increase efficiencies in the division, including “streamlined equipment procurement process and more effective method of deployment of our resources,” Fulk said.

The law follows a massive government reorganization law Reynolds signed earlier this year, which reduces the number of Cabinet-level state agencies from 37 to 16 and moves several departments under the jurisdiction of other departments.

Reynolds signs human trafficking law

Gov. Kim Reynolds also signed House File 630 into law, which increases penalties for human trafficking.

The law makes human trafficking a Class B felony and human trafficking of a minor a class A felony. Human trafficking by causing or threatening to cause serious physical injury also will be a class A felony. Other offenses related to human trafficking also will see increased penalties.

A Class A felony carries a mandatory life sentence, while a Class B felony generally is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

The law also states that a person found guilty of human trafficking is not eligible for a deferred judgment or suspended sentence.

“Human trafficking is a vile form of modern-day slavery and in Iowa, we won’t tolerate it," Reynolds said in a news release. ”The bill signed today increases penalties for both labor and sex trafficking, and criminals found guilty of trafficking children under 18 will serve up to life in prison.”

State treasurer touts college savings giveaway

State Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding Iowans to register for the 529 Day giveaways before May 31.

“As part of my 529 Day celebration, I’m giving five families a $529 College Savings Iowa contribution to start or expand on the education savings of a child in their life,” Smith said. “Three families have already won through the weekly giveaways, but there are still more chances to win. Enter today!” A new giveaway starts each Thursday in May. To register, visit Iowa529Contest.com.

Celebrated nationally on May 29, 529 Day informs families about the benefits of using a 529 plan to save for education.

“Starting with a plan to make regular contributions to your children’s education savings can go a long way towards their success,” Smith said. “According to the Center of Social Development, children with a dedicated education savings are three times more likely to enroll in college and more than four and a half times more likely to graduate. The College Savings Iowa 529 plan can help you get them there.”

College Savings Iowa allows anyone to save for education on behalf of a future scholar. Qualified withdrawals can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, books and supplies at any eligible education institution in the U.S. and abroad. There also are federal and state tax advantages. Specifically for participants who are Iowa taxpayers, up to $3,785 per beneficiary account can be deducted from state income taxes in 2023.

To learn more about the plan, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call (888) 672-9116. Connect with College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed on current events and updates.