Bill > HF2605

This bill establishes the criminal offense of torture, defining it as intentionally causing cruel or extreme physical or mental pain and suffering by inflicting serious bodily injury or severe mental pain or suffering on someone within one's custody or physical control, which is defined as forcibly restricting someone's movements or confining them without their consent or lawful authority. The bill specifies that "cruel" means brutal, inhumane, sadistic, or tormenting, and "serious bodily injury" includes conditions with a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme pain, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function, as well as internal injuries, poisoning, severe burns, deep cuts, or multiple puncture wounds. "Severe mental pain or suffering" is defined as a significant, visibly demonstrable alteration of mental functioning caused by the intentional infliction or threat of serious bodily injury, the administration or threat of mind-altering substances or procedures to disrupt senses or personality, or the threat of imminent death to oneself or another person. A conviction for torture under this bill is a class "B" felony, with a maximum confinement of 50 years, and proof of the victim experiencing pain is not required for conviction, nor does this conviction prevent charges for other crimes arising from the same incident.

Judiciary (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2605