House File 649 amends existing laws related to human trafficking and prostitution in Iowa. The bill expands the definition of human trafficking to include knowingly purchasing or attempting to purchase commercial sexual services from a victim or from a law enforcement officer posing as a person engaged in human trafficking. Additionally, the definition of "services" is updated to clarify that it includes activities performed under the supervision of an actor, specifically mentioning commercial sexual activity and sexually explicit performances. The definition of "victim" is also broadened to encompass not only individuals subjected to human trafficking but also those targeted for it, as well as law enforcement officers posing as victims.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter penalties for individuals who purchase or offer to purchase sexual services from minors. It specifies that a person who engages in such transactions with someone under the age of eighteen, or who is reasonably believed to be underage—including law enforcement officers posing as minors—will be committing a class D felony. These changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 710A.1
Reprinted: 710A.1
Enrolled: 710A.1