Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 602.6107. Reorganization of judicial districts and judicial election districts

1. The supreme court shall, beginning January 1, 2012, and at least every ten years thereafter, review the division of the state into judicial districts and judicial election districts in order to determine whether the composition or the total number of the judicial districts and judicial election districts is the most efficient and effective administration of the district court and the judicial branch.

2. If the supreme court determines that the administration of the district court and the judicial branch would be made more efficient and effective by reorganizing the judicial districts and judicial election districts, which may include expanding or contracting the total number of judicial districts and judicial election districts, the supreme court shall develop and submit to the general assembly by November 15 a plan that reorganizes the judicial districts and judicial election districts. The legislative services agency shall draft a bill embodying the plan for submission by the supreme court to the general assembly. The general assembly shall bring the bill to a vote in either the senate or the house of representatives within thirty days of the bill's submission by the supreme court to the general assembly, under a procedure or rule permitting no amendments by either house except those of a purely corrective nature. If both houses pass the bill, the bill shall be presented as any other bill to the governor for approval. The bill shall take effect upon the general assembly passing legislation, which is approved by the governor including an effective date for the reorganization of the judicial districts and judicial election districts.

3. The composition of the judicial districts in section 602.6107, Code 2003, and judicial election districts in section 602.6109, Code 2003, shall remain in effect until a new division of the state into judicial districts and judicial election districts is enacted.

4. It is the intent of the general assembly that the supreme court prior to developing a plan pursuant to this section consult with and receive input from members of the general public, court employees, judges, members of the general assembly, the judicial departments of correctional services, county officers, officials from other interested political subdivisions, and attorneys. In submitting a plan pursuant to this section, the supreme court shall also submit to the general assembly a report stating the reasons for developing the plan and describing in detail the process used in developing the plan.

5. Nothing in this section or other provision of the Code shall be construed to preclude the general assembly or the judicial branch from proposing or considering a plan reorganizing the judicial districts and judicial election districts at any time.