Continued from August 2026 blog

Are there any emerging trends, concerns, or policy discussions we should begin preparing for now?

  •  The use of AI and the evolution of technology

  • Recognizing emerging forms of exploitation

  • Need to strengthen statewide coordination

  • The abuse of immigrants being trafficked as cheap labor

  • Scam Farms targeting youth

Are there state funding, budget, or appropriation issues that should be addressed?

  • Secure Sustainable Funding for Survivor Services

  • Strengthen Data Collection and Program Evaluation

  • Increase Investment in Law Enforcement and Investigations

  • Explore Innovative and Sustainable Funding Strategies

    • Support tobacco tax increases and review funding models from states like Florida and Texas to identify successful approaches

Are there licensing, workforce, education, reimbursement, operational, or compliance issues needing legislative attention?

  • Expand Prevention Education

    • Implement comprehensive, age-appropriate, evidence-based human trafficking prevention education statewide

  • Strengthen Professional Training and Workforce Capacity

    • Specialized training for law enforcement, healthcare professionals, human services staff, and other frontline responders.

  • Improve Statewide Coordination and Leadership

  • Increase Public Awareness

Are there federal or national policy trends that may impact Iowa and should be monitored? 

  • Respond to Emerging Forms of Exploitation

  • Strengthen Prevention and Survivor-Centered Policies

  • Monitor Federal Funding and Policy Changes

  • Address Immigration and Vulnerable Populations

  • Increase Government and Public Leadership

Are there policies from other states that Iowa should consider adopting or avoiding?

  • Other states have stronger laws:

    • Buyer accountability laws: Texas, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida

    • Peace officer training: Georgia

    • Funding/Training/Education: Texas & Florida

Other Ideas

  • Develop a statewide system for tracking online exploitation and trafficking

  • Establish a dedicated statewide human trafficking task force

  • Strengthen collaboration and statewide coordination

  • Increase public awareness and prevention efforts

  • Shift toward a public health and prevention model

  • Expand statewide resources for online exploitation investigations