This bill establishes the criminal offense of torture in the state of Iowa, defining it as the act of inflicting serious bodily injury or severe mental pain or suffering on another person within the perpetrator's custody or physical control, with the intent to cause cruel or extreme pain. The bill categorizes torture as a class B felony, with a maximum confinement period of 50 years for those convicted, overriding previous provisions in Code section 902.9.

Additionally, the bill provides specific definitions for key terms such as "cruel," "custody or physical control," "serious bodily injury," and "severe mental pain or suffering." It clarifies that proof of pain suffered by the victim is not a necessary element for the crime, and a conviction under this section does not prevent further legal action for other violations arising from the same incident.