Iowa House Bill HF2113

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/23/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to acts, regulations, and declarations of the United Nations, and providing penalties.

Impact

The bill has significant legal implications, particularly in terms of state enforcement of international regulations. It stipulates that any state officer or agent who enforces or seeks to enforce a United Nations action would face serious repercussions, classified as a class C felony. This means offenders could face up to 10 years of confinement and substantial fines, which may dissuade state officials from compliance with any potential international directives.

Summary

House File 2113, proposed by Representative Shipley, addresses the relationship between the state of Iowa and actions taken by the United Nations. The bill asserts that no acts, regulations, or declarations issued by the United Nations are binding within the state, thereby reinforcing Iowa's sovereignty in rejecting external mandates that it deems unacceptable. This legislative initiative is a clear response to the growing concern among certain factions about the influence of international bodies on state governance.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HF2113 reveal notable contention among legislators. Advocates argue that the bill champions state rights and protects local autonomy against perceived overreach by international organizations. However, critics warn that such a bill could isolate Iowa from cooperation on global issues and hamper the state's ability to engage with internationally recognized human rights standards. The controversy thus centers on the balance between state autonomy and the responsibility to uphold internationally accepted norms, raising questions about the long-term implications of denying the authority of such entities.