Iowa Code Title I. State Sovereignty and Management [Chs. 1-38D] § 23.5. Election of remedies

1. An aggrieved person, any taxpayer to or citizen of this state, the attorney general, or any county attorney may seek enforcement of the requirements of chapters 21 and 22 by electing either to file an action pursuant to section 17A.19, 21.6, or 22.10, whichever is applicable, or in the alternative, to file a timely complaint with the board.

2. If more than one person seeks enforcement of chapter 21 or 22 with respect to the same incident involving an alleged violation, and one or more of such persons elects to do so by filing an action under section 17A.19, 21.6, or 22.10, and one or more of such persons elects to do so by filing a timely complaint with the board, the court in which the action was filed shall stay the action pending resolution of the complaint with the board, authorizing the complainant to file a complaint with respect to the same incident with the board without regard to the timeliness of the filing of the complaint at the time the action in court is stayed.

3. If a person files an action pursuant to section 22.8 seeking to enjoin the inspection of a public record, the respondent or person requesting access to the record which is the subject of the request for injunction may remove the proceeding to the board for its determination by filing, within thirty days of the commencement of the judicial proceeding, a complaint with the board alleging a violation of chapter 22 in regard to the same matter.