HF 285 (LSB 2225YH (2) 91)

HOUSE FILE 285

BY  SEXTON

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to prostitution involving a victim of human trafficking, and providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 692A.102, subsection 1, paragraph c, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (45)  Prostitution in violation of section 725.1, subsection 2, paragraph “c”.
    Sec. 2.  Section 725.1, subsection 2, paragraph a, Code 2025, is amended to read as follows:
   a.  Except as provided in paragraph “b” paragraphs “b” and “c”, a person who purchases or offers to purchase another person’s services as a partner in a sex act commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
    Sec. 3.  Section 725.1, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  c.  A person who purchases or offers to purchase services as a partner in a sex act from a person who is a victim of human trafficking, as defined in section 710A.1, commits a class “C” felony. The person’s ignorance of the other person’s status as a victim of human trafficking is not a defense to a violation of this paragraph. Notwithstanding section 902.9, subsection 1, paragraph “d”, a person convicted under this paragraph shall be sentenced to a fine of fifty thousand dollars.
    Sec. 4.  NEW SECTION.  802.2H  Prostitution.
   An information or indictment for prostitution, in violation of section 725.1, subsection 2, paragraph “c”, shall be found within ten years after the commission of the offense.
    Sec. 5.  Section 902.12, subsection 1, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  h.  Prostitution in violation of section 725.1, subsection 2, paragraph “c”.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to prostitution involving a victim of human trafficking.
   The bill provides that a person who purchases or offers to purchase services as a partner in a sex act from a person who is a victim of human trafficking commits a class “C” felony. Ignorance of the other person’s status as a victim of human trafficking is not a defense to a violation. The bill provides that notwithstanding Code section 902.9(1)(d), a person convicted under the bill shall be sentenced to a fine of $50,000.
   A person convicted of violating the bill must register as a tier III sex offender.
   The bill requires an information or indictment for prostitution, in violation of Code section 725.1(2)(c), to be found within 10 years after the commission of the offense.
   The bill provides that a person serving a sentence for a violation of the bill shall be denied parole or work release unless the person has served at least seven-tenths of the maximum term of the person’s sentence.