IA
Iowa House Bill HSB189

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB189

Introduced
2/17/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking and the definition of services.(See HF 649.)

Impact

The proposed amendment has significant implications for state laws regarding the handling of human trafficking cases. By refining the definition of services, the bill aims to provide law enforcement and judicial authorities with clearer guidelines on prosecuting cases that involve exploitation in various contexts, particularly related to sexual activities. This legislative change underscores Iowa's commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring individuals involved in such activities are protected under the law.

Summary

House Study Bill 189 focuses on the definition of 'services' as it pertains to human trafficking laws in Iowa. The bill amends the existing legal definition to clarify that services include performing activities under the supervision of or for the benefit of an actor, thereby explicitly including commercial sexual activity and sexually explicit performances. This change is aimed at enhancing the legal framework surrounding cases of human trafficking and preventing exploitation in various forms.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HSB189 may arise from discussions on the broader implications of explicitly including terms such as 'commercial sexual activity' in the legal definition of services. Advocates for victims of human trafficking are likely to support the bill for its intention to strengthen protective measures. However, there could also be concerns about how these definitions might affect broader discussions regarding sexual autonomy and consent. Stakeholders may debate whether such definitions could inadvertently criminalize or stigmatize behaviors that fall under the realm of sex work versus victimization.

Companion Bills

IA HF649

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including services and prostitution, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 189.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Previously Filed As

IA HF406

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

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 HF630

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

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 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 HSB196

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking and providing penalties.

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 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 HF85

A bill for an act creating a specialty court for human trafficking.

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.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.