Iowa House Bill HF43

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the criminal offense of unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material, and providing penalties.(See HF 899.)

Impact

This bill amends existing laws to include new provisions regarding the electronic transmission of sexually explicit materials. If enacted, those convicted under this bill would face a serious misdemeanor charge, which carries potential penalties of up to one year in confinement and monetary fines ranging from $430 to $2,560. Moreover, individuals found guilty would be mandated to register as sex offenders and could be subjected to a special sentence, requiring them to be held under the Iowa Department of Corrections' custody for a decade, which can be reviewed for parole eligibility.

Summary

House File 43 establishes the criminal offense of unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material in Iowa. The bill outlines that individuals aged 18 and older can be charged with a serious misdemeanor if they knowingly send unsolicited images or videos that depict certain sexual content, including any person's genitals, individuals engaged in sexual acts, or turgid male genitalia. The implications of this legislation are significant, as it provides a legal framework to penalize those who disseminate unsolicited sexual content electronically.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate discussions surrounding personal privacy, consent, and the boundaries of legal regulation in digital communication. While supporters may argue the necessity of such measures to curb harassment and protect individuals from unsolicited explicit content, critics may raise concerns about the implications for freedom of expression, the challenges of enforcement, and potential issues with due process for those wrongfully accused under vague definitions of sexual materials.