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HF 2598

A bill for an act relating to a required course of instruction regarding human trafficking prevention for persons applying for the initial issuance of certain commercial driver’s licenses, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

CDL applicants must complete and certify a 30-minute, English human trafficking prevention course approved by state agencies before initial issuance.

Signed by Governor.
#commercialvehicles #driver'slicenses #humantrafficking
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Bill Summary · HF 2598

Summary of HF 2598 (2025-2026) – Iowa

Purpose and intent

HF 2598 would require individuals applying for the initial issuance of certain commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to complete a human trafficking prevention course. The bill establishes standards for the course, how it is approved, and when the requirements take effect. The overall aim is to enhance awareness, recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking among commercial drivers.

Key provisions

  • Section 321.175 (new):

    • Eligibility: Applies to applicants for the initial issuance of class A, B, or C commercial driver’s licenses.
    • Certification: Applicants must certify to the Department that they have successfully completed a course of instruction on human trafficking prevention.
    • Course requirements:
    • Duration: The course must last at least 30 minutes.
    • Content source: Training based on the department’s approved human trafficking prevention materials.
    • Language: Course must be offered in English.
    • Departmental responsibilities:
    • Approval: The Department of Transportation must approve the training materials in cooperation with the Department of Education and the State Board of Education.
    • Collaboration: May work with other entities that specialize in training for recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking, particularly for commercial motor vehicle operators.
    • Public access: Approved training materials must be made available to the public.
    • Ongoing updates: The departments must review and update the approved training materials at least once every three years to reflect changes and trends in human trafficking.
    • Rulemaking: The Department may adopt rules under Chapter 17A to administer this section.

  • Section 321.188(1) (new paragraph h):

    • For CDL initial issuance applicants (class A, B, or C), the applicant must certify that they completed the human trafficking prevention course in accordance with section 321.175.

  • Section 3 (Applicability):

    • The act takes effect on and after March 1 of the applicable year (the date appears as a placeholder in the text snippet, but the intent is an effective date after enactment).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Individuals applying for the initial issuance of class A, B, or C commercial driver’s licenses in Iowa.
  • Institutions: Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), Iowa Department of Education, and the State Board of Education; plus any partner organizations that develop or provide the approved training materials.
  • General public: Access to approved training materials will be available to the public.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Training approval process:
    • The DOT, in collaboration with the Department of Education and the State Board of Education, will approve human trafficking prevention materials.
    • Potential collaboration with other entities specializing in trafficking prevention training.
  • Review cycle:
    • Approved materials must be reviewed and updated at least every three years to reflect evolving trends.
  • Implementation timeline:
    • The bill includes an applicability provision indicating the act applies on and after a specified March 1 date (exact year contingent on enactment and publication).

Practical impact

  • CDL applicants must complete a 30-minute, English-language training on human trafficking prevention.
  • Agencies will need to establish and maintain approved training materials and a mechanism for applicants to certify completion.
  • The policy supports increased awareness among commercial drivers, who may encounter trafficking situations in transit or at commercial locations, and ensures drivers know how to recognize, prevent, and report such situations.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law (if applicable) or a bullet-point checklist for stakeholders (drivers, training providers, and DOT staff).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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