The bill establishes a new criminal offense in Iowa for the smuggling of persons, defining the act as knowingly transporting individuals in violation of federal immigration laws for payment or other value. Specific actions that constitute smuggling include using various means of conveyance to conceal individuals from law enforcement, encouraging individuals to enter or remain in the U.S. unlawfully, and assisting multiple individuals to trespass on agricultural land. The offense is classified as a class C felony, with escalated penalties to class B or class A felonies under certain circumstances, such as the risk of serious bodily injury or death to the smuggled individual, or if the individual is a minor.

Additionally, the bill includes an affirmative defense for individuals related to the smuggled person within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, except in cases where the offense involves serious bodily injury or death. This legislation aims to address and penalize the smuggling of persons more effectively, reflecting the state's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting vulnerable individuals.