HF 2289: Establishing the criminal offense of torture, and providing penalties

What it does

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”.

House subcommittee · named February 11, 2026

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Angel Ramirez (D) · angel.ramirez@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Mark I. Thompson (R) · mark.thompson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition

In plain words

1. February 5, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 11, 2026House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., Ramirez, Thompson and M
3. February 12, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 20–0
6. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2605