Bills › 91st General Assembly
Establishing the offense of assault by criminal groping, and providing penalties
Sponsored by Sen. Charlie McClintock (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 13, 2026
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill establishes the criminal offense of assault by criminal groping. The bill defines “assault by criminal groping” as an assault that involves intentional physical contact with an intimate body part of another person, without the intent to commit sexual abuse. “Intimate body part” is defined as the clothed or unclothed inner thigh, groin, buttock, genitals, anus, or breast. The bill provides that a first violation of assault by criminal groping is a serious misdemeanor. A second violation is an aggravated misdemeanor.
Read the full explanation
A person who commits a third or subsequent violation commits a class “D” felony. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. If a determination is made by the court that a person convicted of assault by criminal groping was sexually motivated and the victim is years of age or older, the person will be required to register as a tier I sex offender. If a determination is made by the court that a person convicted of assault by criminal groping was sexually motivated and the victim is under years of age, the person will be required to register as a tier II sex offender.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
Senate subcommittee
Named January 13, 2026. On January 21, 2026 it recommended passage.
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§709.11A
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
2 for · 2 against · 3 undecided · Who →
Similar bills
- HSB 12 Establishing the offense of assault by criminal groping, and providing penalties91st General Assembly · In committeeNearly identical
Matched by the wording of each bill’s explanation, or an identical title. Companion bills and renumbered versions of this bill aren’t listed; they’re the same bill.