DES MOINES – An effort to toughen penalties for pimping involving minors and to aid minors forced into prostitution won unanimous support Tuesday in the Iowa House.

The House voted 98-0 in favor of the measure. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

Rep. Greg Heartsill, R-Chariton, said the bill was designed with the protection of children in mind for a widespread issue few in Iowa fully understand.

“This issue is likely more prevalent than what we are willing to admit,” he said.

Pimping penalties for any case involving a minor would increase from a class “D” felony to a class “C” felony under the bill.

The bill would also grant county attorneys the option of referring a minor who they suspect has been forced into prostitution to Iowa’s Department of Human Services as a child in need of assistance. All instances of prostitution are punishable as aggravated misdemeanors under current law.

Anyone who had previously been prosecuted or convicted of prostitution as a minor would have the offense removed from his or her record, allowing for “the opportunity to have a fresh start and a clean slate,” said Rep. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City.

Lawmakers approved an amendment to the bill that is intended to aid prosecutors by making it easier to intercept electronic communication.