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HF 908

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including screening children, 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.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa expands human trafficking response through victim screening, extended civil lawsuits, prosecution tools, and new restorative facilities while appropriating funds for implementation.

Withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · HF 908

Legislative bill overview

HF 908 is a comprehensive human trafficking bill that expands Iowa's response to trafficking through multiple mechanisms: requiring screening of children in state custody for trafficking victimization, extending civil statutes of limitations for trafficking victims, establishing annual stakeholder meetings and reporting requirements, allowing depositions of trafficking victims, enhancing restitution provisions, creating restorative facilities, and strengthening investigation and prosecution tools. The bill includes appropriations to fund these expanded services and enforcement activities.

Why is this important

Human trafficking is a serious crime affecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors in state care. Extended statutes of limitations and victim protections can improve survivors' access to justice and support. Enhanced screening and restorative facilities address gaps in identifying victims and providing trauma-informed services, while strengthened prosecution tools can improve law enforcement effectiveness against traffickers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and sustainability: Significant appropriations for new facilities, victim services, and staffing require ongoing budget commitments; fiscal impact may be contested during budget cycles
  • Statute of limitations scope: Extending civil windows for lawsuits raises questions about defendants' ability to defend against old claims and potential impacts on businesses/institutions
  • Restorative facilities design: Implementation details matter—unclear whether sufficient trauma-informed facilities exist or can be developed, and how "restorative" approaches balance accountability with victim healing

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

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