Legislation - Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

The NAHT is the leading anti-trafficking organization working to educate the legislature on improving anti-trafficking public policy and legislation. We also advocate for appropriations to human trafficking survivor service non-profits.

Save the date flier for January 21, 2027 Governor’s Proclamation and Outstanding Anti-Trafficking Awards

May 2026

End of Legislative Session Update on HT Bills that Passed

The 2026 Legislative session wrapped up on its 112th day after a marathon of more than 30 hours to make final decisions on property taxes and the state budget. While the issue of eminent domain remained unresolved, the legislature tackled many of the Governor’s priorities during her last session, including property tax reform, “MAHA” and nutrition policy, charter school expansion, and employment and service verifications, to name a few.

Despite working under a budget deficit and the fact that very few organizations or departments saw significant budget increases, we are happy to report several successes for NAHT to celebrate! Make sure to thank your legislators for their ongoing and continued support of our work on human trafficking and slavery issues.

2026 Legislative Priorities that Passed & Awaiting the Governor’s Signature

HF 1036 (Comprehensive HT Bill): A comprehensive modernization of Iowa’s human trafficking laws that strengthens victim identification, expands survivor protections, improves access to justice, enhances coordination across systems, and builds capacity for survivor-centered services and accountability. The amended bill reflects national best practices and directly advances NAHT’s mission to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and promote survivor recovery and justice.

SF 2205/HF 2602 (Massage Establishment Licensure): Creates a licensure requirement for massage establishments and establishes penalties. NAHT is working in collaboration with the Iowa Massage Therapy Association in response to the challenge of shutting down illicit practices that occur in establishments disguised as legitimate massage therapy facilities. Secure $1 Million Appropriation for Human Trafficking Victim Service Fund Final Action: Increased the appropriation by $75,000 for a total of $225,000

HF 2598 (Training for Truck-drivers): Relates to human trafficking prevention training for persons applying for certain commercial driver’s licenses.

Secure $1 Million Appropriation for Human Trafficking Victim Service Fund

Final Action: Increased the appropriation by $75,000 for a total of $225,000

BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

SF 2379 (Attorney General Bill): Deals with the confidentiality of victim services and liability, protection orders, sex offender registrations, crime victim compensation program, and more.

SF 273 (Mandatory Reporting for Grooming Behavior): Requires mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of school employees who exhibit grooming behaviors.

HF 2515 (Deferred Sentences): Prohibits deferred or suspended sentences for cases involving sexual exploitation of a minor.

SF 2416 (Subsequent Interviews for Child Abuse): Allows law enforcement to petition the courts to interview children involved in alleged child abuse cases if parents refuse. Would require reasonable suspicion that the children are involved in founded abuse.

BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS

HF 826 (Obscene Materials Involving Minors): (Support) Would have prohibited anyone from knowingly producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing obscene material involving a minor. Violations would be charged with aggravated misdemeanors and/or a class “D” felony.

HF 2696 (Record Expungement): (Support) Relates to expungement of certain criminal history records of victims of human trafficking. The bill passed out of the House floor unanimously and the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. It never made it to the Senate floor due to concerns around “limitations” for which crimes can be expunged.

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April 2026

Week 15 Update

The week of April 20 marks the 15th week of the legislative session and the scheduled end of session. However, since no budget has been agreed upon, legislators will continue to meet until this has been accomplished. Appropriations and tax bills are exempt from funnel deadlines and may be considered through the end of session.

A top priority for the Network Against Human Trafficking (NAHT) this year is securing a $1 million state investment in survivor services. Currently, eight nonprofit providers across Iowa operate residential programs specifically designed to meet the unique and complex needs of human trafficking survivors. NAHT is advocating for dedicated funding within the Justice

Systems budget to strengthen and sustain these critical services.

Top Priorities

HF 1036 (Comprehensive HT Bill): (Support) A comprehensive modernization of Iowa’s human trafficking laws that strengthens victim identification, expands survivor protections, improves access to justice, enhances coordination across systems, and builds capacity for survivor-centered services and accountability. The amended bill reflects national best practices and directly advances NAHT’s mission to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and promote survivor recovery and justice.

Floor Manager: Senator Cherielynn Westrich (westrich@legis.iowa.gov)
2025 Session: House passed the bill unanimously
2026 Session: Bill passed out of Senate Judiciary Committee, with an amendment. It will need to pass the Senate chamber and return to the House if amended before being signed into law. It is currently on the unfinished business calendar.
The bill is eligible through the end of this session.

SF 2205/HF 2602 (Massage Establishment Licensures): (Support) The bill creates a licensure requirement for massage establishments and establishes penalties. NAHT is working in collaboration with the Iowa Massage Therapy Association in response to the challenge of shutting down illicit practices that occur in establishments disguised as legitimate massage therapy facilities.

Floor Manager: Senator Jason Schultz (schultz@legis.iowa.gov)
2026 Session: Bill passed out of the House floor with a vote of 83-8 and the Senate Judiciary Committee but still needs to pass the Senate floor. It is currently on the unfinished business calendar in the Senate.

Secure $1 Million Appropriation for Human Trafficking Victim Service Fund

Contacts: Representative Brian Lohse (brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov), Representative Gary Mohr (gary.mohr@legis.iowa.gov); Senator Tim Kraayenbrink (kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov)
The AG’s office and the Governor have requested the $1M in funding in their FY27 budgets.
Currently, both the House and Senate have kept the appropriation at a flat $150,000. We continue to have conversations around increasing this to $1,000,000.

Other Issues

HF 2696 (Record Expungement): (Support) Relates to expungement of certain criminal history records of victims of human trafficking.

Floor Manager: Senator Mike Bousselot (bousselot@legis.iowa.gov)
2026 Session: Bill passed out of House floor unanimously and the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. It still needs to pass the Senate floor; it is currently on the unfinished business calendar.

SF 2167/HF 2598 (Training for Truck-drivers): (Support) Relates to human trafficking prevention training for persons applying for certain commercial driver’s licenses.

Floor Manager: Senator Mark Costello (costello@legis.iowa.gov)
2026 Session: Passed out of the House chamber unanimously and still needs to be brought to the Senate floor. It is currently on the unfinished business calendar.

HF 826 (Obscene Materials Involving Minors): (Support) Would prohibit anyone from knowingly producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing obscene material involving a minor. Violations would be charged with aggravated misdemeanors and/or a class “D” felony.

Floor Manager: Tom Shipley (shipley@legis.iowa.gov)
2025 Session: Passed House unanimously
2026 Session: Passed out of Senate Judiciary and placed on the calendar. It needs to pass the Senate floor before heading to the governor’s desk. It is currently on the unfinished business calendar.

Passed Both Chambers

SF 2379 (Attorney General Bill): (Tracking) Would enact “Katie’s law”, which would require DNA collection from individuals arrested for aggravated misdemeanors and felonies. It also deals with the confidentiality of victim services and liability, protection orders, sex offender registrations, crime victim compensation program, and more.

2026 Session: Passed out of both chambers and is headed to the governor!

SF 273 (Mandatory Reporting for Grooming Behavior): (Support) Would require mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of school employees who exhibit grooming behaviors.

2025 Session: Passed the Senate
2026 Session: Passed the House and is being sent to the governor’s desk!

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April 2026

Week 11 Update

On March 20, the second funnel deadline for the legislative session passed, marking a milestone for which bills will remain a priority for the legislature. The week of March 23 marks the 11^th week of the legislative session—less than one month before the scheduled end of the session. However, if no budget has been agreed upon, legislators will continue to meet until this has been accomplished. Appropriations and tax bills are exempt from funnel deadlines and may be considered through the end of session, tentatively scheduled for April 21.

On March 12, the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met to approve updated projections for state revenue. The REC made only minor adjustments to prior estimates. FY26 revenue is now projected at $8.11 billion, slightly below the December estimate of $8.16 billion. FY27 revenue is projected at $8.47 billion, down from $8.50 billion in December. In May 2025, the legislature passed a $9.42 billion FY26 budget, creating a $1.3 billion shortfall that will require the legislature to dip into reserve funds. If spending remains unchanged, FY27 could require another $1 billion+ from reserves, particularly as Medicaid and education costs rise.

Top Priorities

2025 Session: House passed the bill unanimously
2026 Session: Bill passed out of Senate Judiciary Committee, with an amendment. It will need to pass the Senate chamber and return to the House if amended before being signed into law.
The bill is eligible through the end of this session.

SF 2205/HF 2602 (Massage Establishment Licensures): (Support) The bill creates a licensure requirement for massage establishments and establishes penalties. NAHT is working in collaboration with the Iowa Massage Therapy Association in response to the challenge of shutting down illicit practices that occur in establishments disguised as legitimate massage therapy facilities.

2026 Session: Bill passed out of the House floor with a vote of 83-8 and the Senate Judiciary Committee but still needs to pass the Senate floor.

Secure $1 Million Appropriation for Human Trafficking Victim Service Fund

The AG’s office and the Governor have requested the $1M in funding in their FY27 budgets.
The budget process will start in earnest toward the end of March after budget targets are announced. In the meantime, we continue to have conversations with legislators about this request.

Other Issues

HF 2696 (Record Expungement): (Support) Relates to expungement of certain criminal history records of victims of human trafficking.

2026 Session: Bill passed out of House floor unanimously and the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. It still needs to pass the Senate floor.

SF 2167/HF 2598 (Training for Truck-drivers): (Support) Relates to human trafficking prevention training for persons applying for certain commercial driver’s licenses.

2026 Session: Passed out of the House chamber unanimously and still needs to be brought to the Senate floor.

HF 2704/SF 2379 (Attorney General Bill): Would enact “Katie’s law,” which would require DNA collection from individuals arrested for aggravated misdemeanors and felonies. It also deals with the confidentiality of victim services and liability, protection orders, sex offender registrations, crime victim compensation program, and more.

2026 Session: Passed out of full committee in both chambers and has been placed on the calendar in the Senate and House.

HF 826 (Obscene Materials Involving Minors): (Monitor) Would prohibit anyone from knowingly producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing obscene material involving a minor. Violations would be charged with aggravated misdemeanors and/or a class “D” felony.

2025 Session: Passed House unanimously
2026 Session: Passed out of Senate Judiciary and placed on the calendar. It needs to pass the Senate floor before heading to the governor’s desk

HF 2515/SF 2115 (Deferred Sentences): (Support) Would prohibit deferred or suspended sentences for cases involving sexual exploitation of a minor.

2026 Session: Passed both chambers, heading to the governor’s desk.

SF 273 (Mandatory Reporting for Grooming Behavior): (Monitor) Would require mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of school employees who exhibit grooming behaviors.

2025 Session: Passed the Senate
2026 Session: Passed House Education committee and has been placed on the calendar. Still needs to pass the House before heading to the governor’s desk.
On March 26, the NAHT Legislative Advocacy Committee voted to declare the NAHT as supportive of this bill.

SF 2416/HF 2703 (Subsequent Interviews for Child Abuse): Would allow law enforcement to petition the courts to interview children involved in alleged child abuse cases if parents refuse. Would require reasonable suspicion that the children are involved in founded abuse.

2026 Session: Passed both full chambers and headed to the governor’s desk.

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March 2026

Funnel Deadline Passed, Key Priorities Remain in Play

The Iowa Legislature has reached its first major deadline of the 2026 session. The first funnel deadline on February 20 marked an important milestone, determining which policy bills remain eligible for consideration this year. As of February 27, the General Assembly has completed seven weeks of session, with the second funnel deadline scheduled for March 20. The bills listed below have successfully advanced and remain under active consideration.

As the Legislature shifts its focus, budget and appropriation discussions will begin in earnest following the March 12 Revenue Estimating Conference update. Appropriations bills are exempt from funnel deadlines and may be considered through the end of session, currently scheduled for April 21.

Top Priorities

HF 1036 (Comprehensive HT Bill): (Support) A comprehensive modernization of Iowa’s human trafficking laws that strengthen victim identification, expands survivor protections, improves access to justice, enhances coordination across systems, and builds capacity for survivor-centered services and accountability. The amended bill reflects national best practices and directly advances NAHT’s mission to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and promote survivor recovery and justice.

2025 Session: House passed the bill unanimously
2026 Session: Bill passed out of Senate Judiciary Committee, with an amendment. It will need to pass the Senate chamber and return to the House if amended before being signed into law.
The bill is eligible through the end of this session.

SF 2205/HF 2602 (Massage Establishment Licensures): (Support) The bill creates a licensure requirement for massage establishments and establishes penalties. NAHT is working in collaboration with the Iowa Massage Therapy Association in response to the challenge of shutting down illicit practices that occur in establishments disguised as legitimate massage therapy facilities.

2026 Session: Bill passed out of both Senate and House Judiciary Committees. It still needs to pass both chambers before being signed into law.

Secure $1 Million Appropriation for Human Trafficking Victim Service Fund

The AG’s office and the Governor have requested the $1M in funding in their FY27 budgets.
The budget process will start in earnest towards the end of March after budget targets are announced. In the meantime, we continue to have conversations with legislators about this request.

Other Issues

HF 2144 (Record Expungement): (Support) Relates to expungement of certain criminal history records of victims of human trafficking.

2026 Session: Bill passed out of House Judiciary Committee unanimously. It needs to pass the House and go through the entire process in the Senate.

SF 2167/HF 2598 (Training for Truck-drivers): (Support) Relates to human trafficking prevention training for persons applying for certain commercial driver’s licenses.

2026 Session: Passed out of full committee in both chambers and has been placed on the calendar in the Senate and House.

HSB 570 /SF 2379 (Attorney General Bill): Would enact “Katie’s law,” which would require DNA collection from individuals arrested for aggravated misdemeanors and felonies. It also deals with the confidentiality of victim services and liability, protection orders, sex offender registrations, crime victim compensation program, and more.

2026 Session: Passed out of full committee in both chambers and has been placed on the calendar in the Senate and House.

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February 2026

Increase Funding for Human Trafficking Survivor Services

The NAHT requests an increase in funding for trafficking survivor services from $150,000 to $1 million to establish a Human Trafficking Survivor Services Fund in the Judicial Services Budget. This fund will provide grants to non-profit organizations operating residential programs solely or primarily dedicated to providing comprehensive services to survivors of human trafficking. Increased funding will strengthen and expand residential programs, restoration facilities, and wrap-around services that help survivors rebuild their lives.

Pass House File 1036

NAHT strongly supports the URGENT passage of HF 1036 which passed the House unanimously in the 2025 session. Iowa’s current human trafficking statutes lag best practices in other states, leaving critical gaps in protection, prevention, and prosecution. HF 1036 modernizes Iowa law and provides stronger safeguards for victims and survivors of trafficking.

The bill includes:

Screening children for human trafficking using a standardized, trauma-informed tool
Extending civil statutes of limitations for child victims
Requiring an annual stakeholder meeting and report to the Governor and Legislature
Expanding the definition of commercial sexual exploitation of children
Referring minors in prostitution to protective services instead of prosecution
Permitting deposition of victims in place of courtroom testimony
Expanding restorative facilities and protective services, with DHHS planning and reporting requirements
Ensuring restitution for survivors
Strengthening investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases

These reforms are essential to ensuring Iowa’s justice system provides meaningful protection and pathways to recovery for victims.

NAHT Supports the following Issues

In addition to the legislative agenda items, NAHT supports the following policy initiatives:

Age Verification to Access Online Obscene Material NAHT supports legislation requiring online platforms to verify the age of users seeking to access obscene or sexually explicit content, helping protect children from online exploitation.
Licensing of Massage Therapy Establishments NAHT supports legislation requiring licensing for massage therapy establishments and increasing penalties for illicit operations that serve as fronts for human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Education in Schools NAHT supports requiring age-appropriate human trafficking education in schools, ensuring Iowa’s children and teens are better equipped to recognize, avoid, and report trafficking.

For more information, contact us or visit our website at www.iowanaht.org

John Chesser, NAHT Chair, jtchesser@gmail.com 515-314-8516
Maggie Tinsman, NAHT Legislative Chair, Maggie.tinsman@mchsi.com 563-320-3395
Threase Harms, NAHT Lobbyist, Threase@advocacyiowa.com 515-975-5299