Bill > HF572

This bill establishes a new criminal offense of smuggling persons in Iowa, defining several specific scenarios that would constitute the crime. Under the proposed law, a person commits smuggling when they knowingly transport, encourage, or assist individuals in violation of federal immigration laws, such as concealing a person from law enforcement, helping someone enter or remain in the United States illegally, or guiding individuals onto agricultural land without the owner's consent. The bill creates a tiered penalty system where the offense is generally a Class C felony, but can be elevated to a Class B felony under aggravating circumstances like creating a substantial risk of serious injury, smuggling a minor, seeking financial gain, or possessing a firearm during the offense. The most severe penalty of a Class A felony applies if the smuggled individual suffers sexual abuse, serious bodily injury, or death as a direct result of the smuggling. The bill includes an affirmative defense for individuals related to the smuggled person within the second degree of consanguinity (blood relation) or affinity (marriage-based relation), which could potentially provide a legal protection against prosecution in certain cases.

Justice

Judiciary (H)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF572