Bill to protect children from obscene material advances

DES MOINES – Legislation intended to protect children from adults attempting to “groom” them for sexual abuse by exposing them to obscene material was among the measures approved Monday in advance of a bill-killing deadline.

Committees in the House and Senate unanimously passed similar measures expanding the definition for child in need of assistance proceedings and child-abuse cases to include situations where a child's parent, guardian or other responsible caregivers “knowingly” allows the minor access to obscene material.

“I think this has the possibility of saving children from ever being the victim of sexual abuse,” said Sen. Keith Kreiman, D-Bloomfield. “If we can protect one person from being a victim, it's worth it.”

Sen. Becky Schmitz, D-Fairfield, said the issue stemmed from concerns over deficiencies in current law raised by mental health professionals. A major objection from critics and civil libertarians was lifted when language was dropped indicating an adult committed child abuse by allowing “direct or indirect” access to obscene material.

Sen. Merlin Bartz, R-Grafton, called the revised language a “major, major improvement,” but noted the bill did not address Internet pornography, graphic lyrics in musical compact disc, or adult content in video games that also may expose minors to obscene material.

Both House and Senate versions were forwarded for floor debate, assuring the issue would survive the Legislature's self-imposed “funnel” deadline that requires non-money policy bills to clear at least one committee by Friday to remain eligible for consideration this session.

Among other bills escaping the funnel Monday was HF 419, a bill that would begin a four-year process to bring child care facilities under the licensure of the state. The bill, which was approved 14-6 by the Human Resources Committee, would, in most cases, exempt people caring for family members. The licensure fee – up to $100 – would cover the cost of filling 12 FTEs, floor manager Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, said.

In the House Rebuild Iowa Committee, a bill to require cities and counties to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program won unanimous approval. Unlike a similar Senate bill it does not require homeowners to participate in the flood insurance program.