The bill establishes a new criminal offense in Iowa known as the smuggling of persons, defining it as knowingly transporting a noncitizen individual for payment or other benefits with the intent to conceal them from law enforcement, induce them to violate federal immigration laws, or assist them in unlawfully entering agricultural land. The offense is classified as a class C felony, but escalates to a class B felony under certain conditions, such as creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death, smuggling a child under 18, or possessing a firearm during the offense.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the offense can be classified as a class A felony if the smuggled individual becomes a victim of sexual abuse or suffers serious bodily injury or death as a direct result of the smuggling. An affirmative defense is provided for individuals related to the smuggled person within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, except in cases that involve serious bodily harm or death. This legislation aims to address and penalize the act of smuggling individuals, particularly in contexts that pose significant risks to their safety.