An Iowa House bill that would establish the criminal offense of “looting” took its first step toward becoming law on Wednesday as an Iowa House subcommittee approved the legislation 3-0. House File 2259 defines looting as the intentional entry without authorization of any dwelling, place of business, vehicle, watercraft, building, plant or other structure by a person acting in joint criminal conduct.
Individuals whose business or property is directly or indirectly injured by looting may bring a civil action against any person involved and recover up to threefold the actual damages sustained and costs and expenses including reasonable attorney fees.
Lisa Davis-Cook of the Iowa Association for Justice said the group is undecided on the bill but always asks if there has been an increase in incidents when it sees new crimes or increased penalties in legislation.
Democrat State Rep. Brian Meyer said the bill is “tight” on its definitions and he understands the intent. While the issue isn’t prevalent in Iowa, he said he understands it is likely the result of what is happening in San Francisco and California.
“I understand where we are going with this,” he said. “I’m supportive of it at this point.”
Republican State Rep. Steve Holt, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, said there are large groups of criminals across the country entering stores and looting.
“Some call it a smash-and-grab,” Holt said. “It’s pillage. To loot I think is criminal conduct, lawlessness in the extreme and I don’t think we can tolerate it. I don’t think prosperity can co-exist with this type of activity.”
Holt added that numerous stores and businesses have had to close their doors in states where looting is taking place, and that is creating worse economic conditions in already depressed economic communities.
“We don’t want to tolerate this in Iowa,” he said.
Republican State Rep. Henry Stone said the bill will go a long way in protecting Iowa businesses and Iowans in general.
