Iowa State House passes pro-policing bill

The Iowa State Legislature passed "Back the Blue" measures Wednesday, which are designed to protect police officers. Senate File 342 passed the Iowa House of Representatives Wednesday night 63-30. The bill makes rioting a felony instead of a misdemeanor. Additionally the legislation increases penalties for blocking streets and destroying public property.

The bill also criminalizes shining lasers at police officers and gives immunity from civil liability to drivers who hit protesters in some cases. The legislation will also strengthen qualified immunity protection for law enforcement officers, thereby making it more difficult to sue them individual officers for misconduct and give added benefits for injured officers.

Republican Rep. Jared Klein said, "What we've seen is not peaceful protesting. What we've seen is destruction and damage in our communities."

Democrats have said they like some parts of the legislation but also criticized Gov. Kim Reynolds' for alleged inaction on proposed racial justice measures.

Last week, BLM activists forced their way into Iowa's State Capitol building to protest the legislation.  In videos posted to both Twitter and Facebook, one masked demonstrator is shouting in a government building while other protestors stage a "die-in." Police removed the protestors, and one protestor was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer.

If bill passes the Iowa Senate, it will go to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk for signature.