Bill > SF570

Introduced Session

This bill creates the business court of Iowa. The bill provides that the business court has jurisdiction in all counties in the state and the business court has the same powers granted to a district court. The bill provides that the business court has jurisdiction as specified in the bill, including but not limited to controversies over certain commercial transactions of $10 million or more, and controversies involving the leadership or operation of a business entity. The bill provides that business court judges are granted the same powers, duties, immunities, and privileges of a district court judge. The bill provides that a person appointed to serve as a business court judge must be (1) at least 35 years of age, (2) a United States citizen, (3) an Iowa resident for a least two years prior to appointment, and (4) a licensed attorney in Iowa that has 10 or more years of experience in practicing civil business litigation, practicing business transactions law, teaching classes in civil business litigation or business transaction law at an accredited Iowa law school, serving as an Iowa judge with civil jurisdiction, or any combination thereof. The bill requires the governor to appoint three judges to the business court to serve two-year terms. The business court judges are required to be confirmed by the senate. Judges appointed are able to be reappointed for additional two-year terms. The bill prohibits the governor from appointing multiple judges that reside in the same county. The bill provides that if vacancy in the business court occurs, the governor may appoint a new judge for the remainder of the term following the procedure of the original appointment. The bill also provides procedures for the removal, disqualification, and recusal of a business court judge. A person appointed as a business court judge is prohibited from participating in the private practice of law. The bill authorizes a retired or former judge or justice of the Iowa courts to be assigned as a visiting judge of the business court. The bill requires each business court judge to maintain chambers in the judicial district of residence. The bill further requires the business court to utilize the most advanced technology accessible for matters brought before the court and instructs the sheriff, in person or by deputy, to attend business court as required. The bill authorizes the court to appoint personnel necessary for operation of the court. The bill requires the business court to determine fees and rates for filings and actions in the business court. The bill directs the supreme court to establish court rules as necessary for the operation of the business court and requires the governor to appoint judges to the business court as soon as practicable after the effective date of the bill. The bill provides that the business court is not created unless the general assembly appropriates moneys for that purpose. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to certain business actions described under the bill on or after January 1, 2027.

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Other Sponsors (1)

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 639. S.J. 860. (on 04/22/2025)

Official Document