Bill > HF1036

This bill aims to strengthen protections and improve responses to human trafficking in Iowa by implementing several key provisions. It mandates an annual meeting of various stakeholders, including law enforcement, legal representatives, and former victims, to develop legislative proposals and submit a report on combating human trafficking. The bill also introduces a definition for "commercial sexual exploitation" to better address child sex trafficking and requires standardized screening for children involved in complaints to identify potential victims of this exploitation. Furthermore, it extends the statute of limitations, the legal timeframe for filing a lawsuit, for victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking, allowing them more time to seek justice. The bill also clarifies and expands the definition of human trafficking to encompass a broader range of exploitative actions and ensures that minors involved in prostitution are not arrested or prosecuted but rather referred for assistance. Additionally, it modifies restitution provisions to include reimbursements for crime victim compensation programs and expands the scope of restitution to cover investigative costs for programs like Medicaid fraud control. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for increased restoration facilities and protective services for juvenile victims of human trafficking, including potential out-of-state housing options, and requires a report on this plan.