One of the most important functions of government is keeping its citizens safe. Funding for our state’s Justice System aims to provide a secure Iowa for all.
The annual Justice System Budget appropriates money to the departments of Public Safety, Corrections, Homeland Security and Public Defense, as well as to the Attorney General. This year’s budget (SF 497), which has been approved by the Iowa Senate, will keep Iowans safe by:
- Enhancing Iowa’s fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking happens right here in the heartland, and Iowans are some of its victims. The Department of Public Safety will receive money for an additional employee to focus on human trafficking. We are also providing funding to the Attorney General to train law enforcement on how to identify human trafficking victims. In addition, grants will be available to local law enforcement agencies that participate in anti-human trafficking efforts so that they can pay employees who work overtime to catch the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.
- More quickly identifying criminals. Currently, there’s about a six-month backlog of crime scene DNA that needs to be tested. This budget provides for additional employees at the Division of Criminal Investigation to help reduce the backlog. Perpetrators will be identified more quickly, prosecutions will move forward, and justice will be served.
- Safe housing for victims. There are times when a home is not in livable condition because of a crime, or a victim must move to get away from an abuser. This bill allows money from the Victim Compensation Fund to help those in need of emergency housing.