Bill > HF228

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding the criminal offense of soliciting sexual services from minors by expanding the definition of the crime. Currently, the law makes it a class "D" felony to purchase or offer to purchase sexual services from an individual under 18 years old. The bill now additionally criminalizes purchasing or offering to purchase sexual services from a person who is reasonably believed to be under 18, which explicitly includes scenarios where a law enforcement officer or agent is posing as a minor. A class "D" felony in Iowa carries a potential punishment of up to five years in confinement and a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. The legislative intent appears to be closing potential legal loopholes by making the offense applicable even when the perpetrator mistakenly believes they are soliciting sexual services from a minor, and by specifically including sting operations conducted by law enforcement designed to catch individuals seeking to engage in sexual services with minors.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF228