IA HF2542

Establishes a two-tier point system for habitual offender classification: "Level one offenses" (Class A-D felonies and certain aggravated misdemeanors involving sexual abuse, domestic assault, or weapons) count as 1 point; "Level two offenses" (other aggravated misdemeanors and certain serious misdemeanors) count as 0.5 points

Defines a habitual offender as any person who accumulates 3 or more points through convictions in Iowa or equivalent offenses in other jurisdictions

Requires courts to only consider convictions within 20 years of the current conviction when calculating habitual offender status

Mandates habitual offenders serve a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole or work release, unless the current offense carries a higher minimum sentence

Applies only to convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2026, with pending charges aggregated so only the most serious charge counts toward point accumulation