This bill addresses various aspects of human trafficking in Iowa, including the establishment of an annual stakeholder meeting to develop legislative proposals and report findings to the governor and general assembly. The meeting will involve representatives from multiple agencies, including public safety, health and human services, and law enforcement, as well as former victims and nonprofit organizations focused on human trafficking. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of commercial sexual exploitation and mandates standardized screenings for children suspected of being involved in such activities. It also increases the statute of limitations for filing claims related to sexual abuse or human trafficking from one year to five years after a victim turns 18.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in developing a plan to enhance restoration facilities and protective services for juvenile victims of human trafficking. It includes provisions for screening children for substance use disorders and commercial sexual exploitation, as well as adjustments to restitution categories to include crime victim compensation reimbursements. The bill allocates $750,000 from the state general fund to the office of the attorney general to create a joint unit aimed at investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases, collecting data, and evaluating the effectiveness of state initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 80.45, 915.35, 232.28, 232.50, 232.71B, 614.8, 614.1, 710A.1, 725.1