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Bill > SF2012
IA SF2012
IA SF2012A bill for an act establishing the offense of assault by criminal groping, and providing penalties.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the criminal offense of assault by criminal groping. The bill defines “assault by criminal groping” as an assault that involves intentional physical contact with an intimate body part of another person, without the intent to commit sexual abuse. “Intimate body part” is defined as the clothed or unclothed inner thigh, groin, buttock, genitals, anus, or breast. The bill provides that a first violation of assault by criminal groping is a serious misdemeanor. A second violation is an aggravated misdemeanor. A person who commits a third or subsequent violation commits a class “D” felony. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. If a determination is made by the court that a person convicted of assault by criminal groping was sexually motivated and the victim is 14 years of age or older, the person will be required to register as a tier I sex offender. If a determination is made by the court that a person convicted of assault by criminal groping was sexually motivated and the victim is under 14 years of age, the person will be required to register as a tier II sex offender.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the new crime of assault by criminal groping, which is defined as intentionally touching someone's intimate body part—meaning their inner thigh, groin, buttocks, genitals, anus, or breasts, whether clothed or not—without intending to commit sexual abuse. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses: a first offense is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and fines between $430 and $2,560; a second offense becomes an aggravated misdemeanor, carrying up to two years in jail and fines from $855 to $8,540; and a third or subsequent offense is a class "D" felony, with a potential of five years in prison and fines between $1,025 and $10,245. Additionally, if a court determines the assault was sexually motivated, individuals convicted of assault by criminal groping will be required to register as a sex offender, with victims aged 14 or older leading to tier I registration and victims under 14 leading to tier II registration.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Judiciary Committee (15:00:00 1/26/2026 RM 116) (on 01/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2012 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2012.html |
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