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

This bill establishes a new criminal offense for smuggling noncitizens in Iowa, making it illegal to knowingly transport or assist noncitizens for payment or benefit under specific circumstances. It prohibits actions like using vehicles to conceal individuals from police, encouraging illegal U.S. entry by hiding people, or guiding groups onto agricultural land without owner consent. Smuggling is generally a class "C" felony, but becomes a more severe class "B" or "A" felony if it involves children, creates serious injury risk, causes death, involves firearms, or results in sexual abuse. The bill includes a defense for close family members (within second degree of blood or marriage) in most cases, except for the most serious violations.