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 victims of exploitation or abuse. 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 the screening of children for substance use disorders and exploitation, as well as adjustments to restitution categories to include crime victim compensation reimbursements. The bill allocates $750,000 from the general fund to the office of the attorney general to create a joint unit focused on investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases, collecting data, and evaluating state-funded initiatives.

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