The Iowa Legislature is currently on break during the COVID-19 crisis, but when they get back into session, one state lawmaker says there are some state constitutional amendments that he wants to see move forward.

District 24 Senator Jerry Behn of Boone says one constitutional amendment deals with abortion. He points out the “life amendment” states there is no right to an abortion in the state constitution. 

“And all of this came about because the Supreme Court in Iowa said there was a right to an abortion. The Supreme Court made that up, so now we’re going to have an amendment that’s going to allow the people of Iowa to step up and say, ‘Here that is not what that said.’”

Behn says another constitutional amendment is about restoring a convicted felon’s right to vote once they have served their sentence. Behn notes he will not vote for the amendment unless there is language addressing victim’s rights in the form of guaranteeing victim restitution.

“In many instances it’s just not done. The criminal is in jail and they’re ordered to pay restitution or whatever and they don’t do it. Even when they get out, to me the victim is still owed the restitution, whatever that is.”

Behn says if these amendments are approved by both the Senate and House this session, then they need to pass next year’s legislative session before being entered on the ballot for Iowans to vote on.