A bill for an act relating to prostitution, and making penalties applicable.

Iowa House File 228 (HF228) was a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on February 6, 2025, by Representative Eric Gjerde. The bill aimed to address issues related to prostitution and proposed changes to the applicable penalties. After its introduction, HF228 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. A subcommittee recommended its passage on February 19, 2025. However, the bill did not progress further and ultimately died in committee.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

Although direct media reactions to HF228 are not found, critics of comparable bills frequently express concerns that harsher penalties may disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including individuals coerced into prostitution. They argue that punitive approaches can discourage victims from seeking help and may not effectively address the root causes of prostitution, such as poverty and lack of access to resources.