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(Des Moines, IA) -- Legislation designed to combat human trafficking is being approved by the Iowa House.
House File 2565 would create a statewide task force to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking. It calls for the task force to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It would be staffed with trained investigators, victims advocates, emergency dispatchers and a team of prosecutors appointed by the Iowa Attorney General.
Proponents say human trafficking often involves interstate activity and organized networks, requiring a coodinated, statewide response. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 88 cases of human trafficking in Iowa involving 140 victims.