This bill amends Iowa Code section 728.12, which addresses the sexual exploitation of minors, specifically regarding the prosecution of visual depictions of minors engaging in prohibited sexual acts. The bill introduces new legal language that mandates that visual depictions containing pictorial representations of different minors will be prosecuted as separate offenses for each minor depicted. Additionally, it stipulates that violations involving multiple visual depictions of the same minor will also be prosecuted as separate offenses, rather than as a single offense as previously stated.

The penalties for violations of this section remain unchanged, with a first offense classified as a class D felony and a second or subsequent offense classified as a class C felony. A class D felony carries a potential sentence of up to five years in confinement and fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245, while a class C felony can result in up to ten years of confinement and fines between $1,370 and $13,660. Convictions under this section are categorized as tier II sex offenses, requiring offenders to register as sex offenders and subjecting them to a 10-year special sentence in addition to any other penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 728.12