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 who is in the perpetrator's custody or physical control, with the intent to cause extreme physical or mental pain. The bill categorizes this offense as a class B felony, with a maximum confinement period of 50 years, overriding previous provisions in Code section 902.9 regarding sentencing.

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.