Establishing the criminal offense of torture, and providing penalties

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 5, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 11, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
4. Next: Passes the House
5. Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2605 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2605 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill establishes the criminal offense of torture. The bill provides that a person who, with the intent to cause cruel or extreme physical or mental pain and suffering, inflicts serious bodily injury or severe mental pain or suffering upon another person within the person’s custody or physical control commits torture and is guilty of a class “B” felony. Notwithstanding Code section 902.9, subsection 1, paragraph “b”, a person convicted of a violation of the bill shall be confined for no more than years. The bill provides definitions of “cruel”, “custody or physical control”, “serious bodily injury”, and “severe mental pain or suffering”.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named February 11, 2026. On February 12, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Charley Thomson REmail
• Rep. Angel Ramirez DEmail
• Rep. Mark I. Thompson REmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§726.6B

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.