This bill amends existing Iowa law to enhance the screening process for children who may be victims of commercial sexual exploitation. It defines commercial sexual exploitation as the act of causing a child, through force, fraud, or coercion, to engage in sexual activities for money, goods, services, or the promise of such. The bill introduces a new requirement for juvenile courts or their designees to order screenings for children when a complaint alleging a delinquent act is received.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) screen a child for commercial sexual exploitation if it determines that a report it receives constitutes a child abuse allegation. The amendments include specific procedural steps for handling complaints, such as referring them to an intake officer for preliminary inquiries and ensuring that screenings are conducted promptly.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.2, 232.28, 232.71B