Common sense did prevail yesterday in the Iowa House who, following the Iowa Senate’s lead, passed SF 2197 (H.J. 976) in bipartisan fashion with a 97-0 vote thereby closing the loophole that allowed minors to perform nude. I find it somewhat interesting that Representative Chris Rants (R-Sioux City) earlier offered an amendment that addressed this issue, but didn’t vote on this bill. I’m sure he was absent with good reason; I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Representative Wayne Ford (D-Des Moines) wasn’t present, perhaps too busy planning his retirement? 🙂 Representative Roger Wendt (D-Sioux City) left the session early in February and isn’t running for re-election due to a diagnosis of lung cancer, our prayers are with him and his family.
Now Governor Chet Culver who didn’t deem this problem worthy of a statement gets to sign this bill into law. For a recap you can read Bob Vander Plaats’ statement and Rod Roberts’ statement. Former Governor Terry Branstad for unknown reasons (which I’m sure I’d fail to comprehend if they were known) had nothing to say on the matter.