The bill establishes two human trafficking prosecution units within the Iowa Department of Justice, aimed at identifying, investigating, and prosecuting human trafficking cases while also providing care and support for victims. The attorney general will collaborate with the Department of Public Safety, the Office to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop, staff, and equip these multidisciplinary teams. The units will be geographically divided, with one serving the western half of the state and the other serving the eastern half, using Interstate 35 as the dividing line.
Each human trafficking prosecution unit will consist of various representatives, including the attorney general or their designee, criminal investigators, state and local law enforcement, victim services, healthcare, community organizations, and survivor advocacy groups. Additionally, the units are authorized to conduct training and provide technical assistance to enhance community awareness about human trafficking. The bill also defines human trafficking in accordance with the existing definition in Code section 710A.1.