March 28, 2024

Branstad signs human trafficking bill

DES MOINES — Last Thursday, Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law Senate File 2311, otherwise known as the Human Trafficking Bill.

Earlier in the session, the Iowa House and Senate each passed their own version of the bill with strong bi-partisan support.  Both chambers readily came to agreement on the final language of SF 2311 aimed at strengthening penalties for human traffickers and providing aid to their victims and sent SF 2311 to the governor’s desk.

“This bill takes a major step towards cracking down on those who sexually abuse young men and women and it provides the necessary training and protection to ensure Iowa’s children are kept safe,” Rep. Greg Heartsill (R-Columbia) said. “I was honored to be part of this process and see it through to the end.”

Attending the bill signing were several legislators and advocacy groups interested in ending human trafficking.