A law implementing heightened penalties for human traffickers and ensuring victims receive the support needed officially takes effect today (Monday). Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, a strong supporter of HF 2460, says the new legislation will require human traffickers convicted of level “B” felonies to serve a mandatory minimum of 50 to 70 percent of their sentence without parole, provide victims of human trafficking with access to an advocate for support, especially during criminal proceedings and provide court-appointed counsel during cases for witnesses with a mental disability. Bird says, “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that can happen anywhere, including in our own backyard. We need to call it like it is: modern-day slavery. With this law, traffickers will serve mandatory prison time, and victims will have strong support through the criminal justice system. I thank the legislature and Governor Kim Reynolds for turning our bill into law. As Attorney General, I promise to continue working to combat human trafficking and protect victims.” SF 2460 was introduced in February of this year, passed the House and Senate within the following months, and Gov. Reynolds signed the bill into law on May 17.
