Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF463

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing human trafficking prosecution units.(See HF 831, HF 1011.)

Impact

The establishment of two human trafficking prosecution units will divide the state into western and eastern jurisdictions, ensuring targeted responses to incidents of human trafficking. This division along Interstate 35 is designed to streamline operations and resource allocation within the state. The proposed units will consist of members from various sectors, including criminal investigators, law enforcement officials, victim services, and health care representatives, fostering a comprehensive approach to handling human trafficking cases.

Summary

House File 463 aims to establish human trafficking prosecution units within the Iowa Department of Justice. The intent of the bill is to enhance the state’s capability to identify, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases through specialized multidisciplinary teams. These teams will not only target law enforcement efforts but also focus on providing care and support for victims of human trafficking, which is a significant issue affecting communities across the state.

Contention

While there is generally strong support for enhancing the state’s efforts against human trafficking, concerns may arise relating to the resource allocation, effectiveness of the multidisciplinary teams, and whether they have sufficient training and tools to adequately support both victims and law enforcement operations. Moreover, the bill’s success will depend significantly on collaboration between the various entities involved in these prosecution units and community organizations aimed at raising awareness and prevention efforts.

Companion Bills

IA HF831

Similar To A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including the establishment of human trafficking prosecution units and the remittance of wire transmission fees to the office to combat human trafficking.(Formerly HF 463; See HF 1011.)

IA HF1011

Similar To A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including the establishment of human trafficking prosecution units and the remittance of wire transmission fees to the office to combat human trafficking.(Formerly HF 831, HF 463.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB530

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including parole and work release and victim counselors, and guardian ad litem appointments for prosecuting witnesses with mental disabilities.(See HF 2460.)

IA SSB3027

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including parole and work release and victim counselors, and guardian ad litem appointments for prosecuting witnesses with mental disabilities.(See SF 2170.)

IA HSB746

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including civil statutes of limitations, an annual stakeholder meeting and report, depositions of victims, restitution, restorative facilities and protective services, and investigation and prosecution, and making appropriations.

IA HF2460

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including parole and work release and victim counselors, and guardian ad litem appointments for prosecuting witnesses with mental disabilities. (Formerly HSB 530.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF406

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking and providing penalties.(See HF 630.)

IA SF2170

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including parole and work release and victim counselors, and guardian ad litem appointments for prosecuting witnesses with mental disabilities.(Formerly SSB 3027.)

IA HF630

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 406.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF125

A bill for an act relating to restitution for the death of a person caused by a minor or a victim of human trafficking.(See HF 594.)

IA HF2475

A bill for an act relating to victim restitution and the rights of human trafficking victims.

IA HF594

A bill for an act relating to restitution for the death of a person caused by a victim of human trafficking.(Formerly HF 125.)

Similar Bills

CA SB236

Human trafficking: vertical prosecution program.

CA AB959

Human trafficking: vertical prosecution program.

CA AB229

Human trafficking: vertical prosecution program.

CA AB1820

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement: Labor Trafficking Unit.

CA AB1739

Human trafficking: vertical prosecution program.

CA AB2124

Human trafficking: vertical prosecution program.

CA AB2843

Regional Task Forces Against Human Trafficking Grant Program.

NJ A4306

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.