Iowa House Unanimously Passes Human Trafficking Enforcement Bill

New statewide task force and prosecution team created to combat growing criminal enterprise

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to strengthen the state's response to human trafficking. House File 2565 establishes a 24/7 statewide Human Trafficking Task Force within the Department of Public Safety with authority to investigate cases, make arrests, and coordinate efforts across Iowa. The bill also directs the Attorney General to create a dedicated Human Trafficking Special Prosecution Team.

Why it matters

Human trafficking is a growing and complex criminal enterprise that often involves cybercrime, interstate activity, and organized networks. This legislation aims to provide Iowa with the coordinated statewide response needed to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.

The details

House File 2565 would create the Iowa Human Trafficking Task Force, which would include a deputy director, eight investigators, four victim advocates, four emergency dispatchers, and an intelligence officer. The task force would have the authority to call upon any law enforcement agency in Iowa to assist with investigations, arrests, and transportation of suspects. The bill also directs the Attorney General to establish a Human Trafficking Special Prosecution Team to focus exclusively on prosecuting trafficking crimes.

  • On Thursday, the Iowa House unanimously passed House File 2565.
  • The bill now moves to the Iowa Senate for consideration.

The players

Mark Thompson

Republican Representative from Clarion who led the bill through the Iowa House.

Iowa Department of Public Safety

The state agency that will house the new Human Trafficking Task Force.

Iowa Attorney General

Will establish a dedicated Human Trafficking Special Prosecution Team.

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What they’re saying

“This bill creates the structure, staffing, and prosecutorial authority Iowa needs to aggressively combat human trafficking. 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.”

— Mark Thompson, Republican Representative (radioonthego.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Iowa Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation demonstrates Iowa's commitment to taking a coordinated, statewide approach to combating the growing threat of human trafficking, which often involves complex criminal networks and activities. By establishing a dedicated task force and prosecution team, Iowa is positioning itself to better protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.