Iowa House Passes Major Human Trafficking Enforcement Bill Led by Rep. Thompson
DES MOINES — The Iowa House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Thursday aimed at strengthening the state’s response to human trafficking through the creation of a fully empowered statewide task force and dedicated prosecution team.
House File 2565, led by Rep. Mark Thompson (R-Clarion), passed the House on an 89-0 vote and now advances to the Iowa Senate for consideration.
The bill establishes the Iowa Human Trafficking Task Force within the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The task force would have full authority to investigate human trafficking cases, make arrests and coordinate statewide enforcement efforts.
Under the proposal, the unit would operate around the clock — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays — and serve as the primary point of contact for trafficking investigations across Iowa.
The task force would include a deputy director who is a certified law enforcement officer with specialized training in human trafficking. It would also staff eight certified investigators assigned across four geographic quadrants of the state, along with four victim advocates — one in each quadrant — and four emergency dispatchers to manage a dedicated office and call center.
In addition, the legislation calls for an intelligence and evidence officer trained in human trafficking and cybercrime investigations to support complex cases that may involve online activity or interstate networks.
HF 2565 grants the task force authority to call upon any law enforcement agency in Iowa to assist with investigations, arrests and suspect transportation when needed, allowing for coordinated statewide operations.
Beyond investigations, the bill directs the Iowa Attorney General to establish a Human Trafficking Special Prosecution Team focused exclusively on prosecuting trafficking-related crimes. The State Auditor would appoint four assistant attorneys general — one representing each quadrant of the state — to handle those prosecutions in coordination with the task force.
“This bill creates the structure, staffing, and prosecutorial authority Iowa needs to aggressively combat human trafficking,” Thompson said. “Human trafficking is not confined to large cities — it impacts communities across our state. HF 2565 ensures victims are protected, and traffickers are held accountable.”
The legislation also emphasizes victim protection, requiring data-sharing policies designed to safeguard trafficking victims and embedding trained victim advocates within each regional team.
Supporters of the bill say human trafficking is a growing and increasingly complex criminal enterprise, often involving cybercrime, organized networks and activity that crosses state lines — challenges they argue require a coordinated statewide response.
If approved by the Senate and signed into law, HF 2565 would significantly expand Iowa’s enforcement and prosecution capacity in combating human trafficking.
