A bill for an act establishing the criminal offense of torture, and providing penalties.

HF 2289 creates a new criminal offense of torture in Iowa, making it a class B felony to intentionally cause serious bodily injury or severe mental suffering while controlling another person's movements. The bill defines key terms like "serious bodily injury" (e.g., internal injuries or burns) and "severe mental pain" (e.g., from threats of death or mind-altering substances). It sets a maximum 50-year prison sentence and clarifies that a conviction won’t prevent separate charges for related acts. The law applies to anyone who inflicts extreme physical or mental pain while holding another person in custody or physical control.