Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB236

Introduced
3/28/23  
Introduced
3/28/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the purchase of certain law enforcement equipment.(See HF 701.)

Impact

Should HSB236 pass, it would amend current statutes governing public procurement processes within law enforcement agencies. The prohibition includes body armor and other protective gear utilized by peace officers and would require agencies to reevaluate their purchasing strategies. These agencies may need to seek alternative sources for such equipment, potentially affecting their budgets and operational capabilities. Importantly, the bill explicitly does not include privately funded grants or donations, creating a distinction between public and private funding sources.

Summary

House Study Bill 236 (HSB236) is legislation focused on the purchase of law enforcement equipment, specifically prohibiting the use of public funds to acquire steel armament that is wholly or partially produced in China. The bill aims to ensure that state and county law enforcement agencies do not use tax-derived public moneys for the acquisition of such materials. This is part of broader efforts to restrict dependency on foreign-produced armament, particularly from nations viewed as potential threats to national security.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HSB236 is the potential impact on law enforcement's operational effectiveness. Some critics may argue that restricting the procurement of certain equipment based on production country might limit access to high-quality protective resources that are critical for officer safety. Furthermore, the bill could lead to increased costs or logistical challenges as agencies seek compliant alternatives, raising questions about the balance between national security interests and operational efficacy in law enforcement.

Companion Bills

IA HF701

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to the purchase of certain law enforcement equipment.(Formerly HSB 236.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF701

A bill for an act relating to the purchase of certain law enforcement equipment.(Formerly HSB 236.)

IA HSB124

A bill for an act relating to the creation of land redevelopment trusts.(See HF 665.)

IA SB35

Create funds-law enforcement training, equipment purchase grants

IA HF487

A bill for an act relating to drug paraphernalia and drug-checking equipment.(See HF 699.)

IA AB1486

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

IA HF699

A bill for an act relating to drug paraphernalia and drug-checking equipment.(Formerly HF 487.)

IA SF10

A bill for an act relating to the creation of land redevelopment trusts.(See SF 182.)

IA HSB598

A bill for an act relating to certain emergency services provided by a city.(See HF 2578.)

IA HB1321

Public purchasing law; revise to increase the threshold required for competitive purchasing on certain purchases.

IA HSB161

A bill for an act relating to the use of automated traffic enforcement systems on the primary road system.(See HF 629.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.