Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF826

Introduced
3/6/25  
Engrossed
3/26/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to obscene materials involving minors, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 81.)

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance the protection of minors by imposing harsh penalties on individuals engaged in the creation or dissemination of obscene materials. It delineates the definitions and parameters surrounding what constitutes obscene material involving minors while also clarifying exceptions for law enforcement and educational purposes. By ensuring that even the mere possession of such materials can lead to severe legal consequences, HF826 aims to deter potential offenders and tighten the legal framework surrounding sexually explicit materials related to minors.

Summary

House File 826 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the production, distribution, possession, and receipt of obscene materials involving minors. The bill stipulates that any visual depiction that shows a minor engaging in prohibited sexual acts, and which appeals to prurient interests, is classified as 'obscene material.' The legislation is designed to impose strict penalties on individuals found guilty of violating these provisions, classifying first offenses as aggravated misdemeanors and subsequent offenses as class D felonies. Furthermore, individuals convicted under this bill will be mandated to register as tier I sex offenders.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding HF826 involve the balance between safeguarding minors and ensuring that the law does not inadvertently penalize legitimate educational or law enforcement activities. Critics may argue that the bill's broad language might lead to unintended consequences for individuals in legitimate fields, who could be unjustly affected by the implications of the law. Moreover, discussions on whether the severity of the penalties is proportional to the act may arise, particularly concerning the classification of first offenses as aggravated misdemeanors.

Companion Bills

IA HF81

Similar To A bill for an act relating to obscene materials involving minors, and providing penalties.(See HF 826.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2176

A bill for an act relating to obscenity, including the exposure of a minor to an obscene performance and admittance of a minor to a premises with obscene performances, establishing a private civil cause of action, and providing penalties.

IA HF2239

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 2046.)

IA HF2318

A bill for an act relating to bestiality and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 533.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB533

A bill for an act relating to bestiality and providing penalties.(See HF 2318.)

IA HF2046

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors, and providing penalties.(See HF 2239.)

IA HF646

A bill for an act relating to sexual exploitation of a minor and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 321.)

IA HF361

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF2180

A bill for an act relating to bestiality and providing penalties.(Formerly SF 2018.)

IA SF2018

A bill for an act relating to bestiality and providing penalties.(See SF 2180.)

IA SF305

A bill for an act relating to the dissemination of certain specified materials, including the prohibition of certain specified materials in schools and civil actions to determine obscenity, modifying the responsibilities of the department of education, and providing civil penalties.

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