HF1036: Human Trafficking

Implements significant changes to Iowa's human trafficking laws. It mandates annual stakeholder meetings and reports to develop legislative proposals, expands the definition of 'commercial sexual exploitation,' requires standardized screening of children for trafficking, and extends civil statute of limitations for survivors. The bill also amends procedures for prosecution and victim handling, clarifies restitution categories, and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to increase restoration facilities for juvenile victims. Some provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Mandates annual stakeholder meetings on human trafficking with a wide range of participants and requires annual reports to the governor and general assembly through 2030.

• Defines 'commercial sexual exploitation' broadly to include any sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for financial or other value.

• Requires all juvenile complaints to be reviewed with a human trafficking indicator list and allows trauma-informed screening for commercial sexual exploitation.

• Obligates the Department of Health and Human Services to screen all children subject to abuse allegations for commercial sexual exploitation using standardized, evidence-based tools.

• Extends the civil statute of limitations for actions related to sexual abuse or human trafficking of minors to five years after reaching majority, with an additional five years from discovery for latent injuries.

• Expands the definition of 'human trafficking' to include patronizing or soliciting, not just participating in a venture.

• Prohibits arrest, charge, or prosecution for minors engaged in prostitution, mandating referral to protective services instead.

• Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to increase restoration facilities and protective services, including consideration of out-of-state housing for at-risk juvenile trafficking victims.