10 May 2013

Grassley Reminds Agencies of Key Whistleblower Protections, Seeks Compliance Details

By Grassley Press

Friday, May 10, 2013

Grassley Reminds Agencies of Key Whistleblower Protections, Seeks Compliance Details

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today wrote to 15 government agencies, reminding them of recently enacted whistleblower protections and seeking information on their compliance with the new law.

"Whistleblowers risk their careers to point out government waste, fraud and abuse," Grassley said.  "Without them, the public wouldn't know about a lot of problems that had to be exposed to get fixed. Our government would be the weaker for it.  Protections for whistleblower communications with Congress and agency watchdogs are critical for whistleblowers' good work to continue."

Grassley wrote to the major executive branch agencies about the recently enacted Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, which codified an "anti-gag" provision he introduced every year.  The provision makes explicit that agency nondisclosure agreements do not apply to communications with Congress or reporting violations and/or misconduct to an Inspector General, or any other whistleblower protection.  Agency nondisclosure agreements must include specific disclaimers to that effect, and those disclaimers must be posted on agency websites.

Grassley asked each agency for information including all forms, policies, or agreements mentioning communications with Congress used within the last five years and a detailed statement of the various efforts taken to post the "anti-gag" provision on the agency website.

Grassley wrote to the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Department of Education, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Homeland Security.

Grassley is a long-time advocate for whistleblowers.  He was the Senate author of the 1986 whistleblower updates to the federal False Claims Act.  Since 1986, these provisions have recovered more than $30 billion that otherwise would be lost to fraud.

The text of Grassley's letter follows here.  The text is the same for each of the 15 agencies.

 

May 10, 2013

VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki

Secretary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20420

 

Dear Secretary Shinseki:

Time and again, whistleblowers courageously identify, often at great risk to their professional careers, waste, fraud, and abuse.  Unfortunately, as a result of their actions, whistleblowers often face intimidation, retaliation, and are subjected to prohibited personnel practices despite proscriptions against such action under federal law.[1]

As part of my efforts to protect whistleblowers, starting in 1988 I introduced an amendment known as the "anti-gag" provision to the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act.[2] This provision was adopted and has been included in every appropriations bill signed into law since 1988,[3] most recently in March 2013 as part of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013.[4] In addition the recently passed Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA) codified the anti-gag provision as a prohibited personnel practice and thereby eliminated the need for annual revision.[5]

The new federal law now requires every U.S. Government nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement to contain an explicit statement notifying employees that nondisclosure requirements do not supersede their rights and obligations created by existing statute or Executive Order relating to classified information, communications to Congress, reporting violations and/or misconduct to an Inspector General, or any other whistleblower protection.[6] Moreover, the law requires any agency using a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement to also post the aforementioned statement on the agency website, as well as a specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.[7]

As the author of this rider and an original cosponsor of the WPEA who worked closely in drafting this provision with Senator Akaka, I want to ensure that this law is fully implemented.  Accordingly, please provide the following information:

1)      All forms, policies, or agreements which mention communications with Congress used within the last five years, including those with either non-disclosure or non-disparagement provisions.

2)      All forms, policies, or agreements which include the statutorily-defined statement informing employees of their rights on every nondisclosure policy.

3)      All forms, policies, or agreements which purport to limit a current or former employee's ability to communicate directly with Congress, whether explicitly or as a part of a general prohibition without a specific Congressional exemption.

4)      A detailed statement of the various efforts that your department has taken to post the "anti-gag" provision on its website, along with a specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.

Thank you in advance for ensuring your response arrives no later than May 24, 2013.  Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Chris Lucas of my Committee staff at (202) 224-5225.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

Ranking Member                               

Committee on the Judiciary

 

See 5 U.S.C. § 2302(a) (2006) (outlining prohibited personnel practices).

Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1989, Pub. L. No. 100-440, 102 Stat. 1756 (1988).

See generally Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-74, 125 Stat. 932 (2011); Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-8, 123 Stat. 685 (2009).

Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, Pub. L. No. 113-6, Div. F, Title I, Sec. 1105 (referencing back to Pub. L. No. 112-74, Div. C, Title VII, Sec. 715).

Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-199, 126 Stat. 1465 (2012).

[1] See 5 U.S.C. § 2302(a) (2006) (outlining prohibited personnel practices).

[2] Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1989, Pub. L. No. 100-440, 102 Stat. 1756 (1988).

[3] See generally Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-74, 125 Stat. 932 (2011); Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-8, 123 Stat. 685 (2009).

[4] Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, Pub. L. No. 113-6, Div. F, Title I, Sec. 1105 (referencing back to Pub. L. No. 112-74, Div. C, Title VII, Sec. 715).

[5] Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-199, 126 Stat. 1465 (2012).

[6] See id. § 104(b)(1).

[7] See id. § 115(a)(2).
10 May 2013

Simon to hold Defense and Local Community Listening Posts

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will hold Defense and Local Community Listening Posts in communities near the state's three largest military installations in May and June. All local residents, especially military families, civilian Department of Defense employees, veterans, employers and educators, are invited to attend the listening posts in Belleville, Rock Island, and North Chicago, Simon announced today.

 

Participants at the listening posts will take a brief survey and then discuss issues pertaining to business climate, education, workforce training and quality of life. Simon will present feedback from the listening posts to the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which she chairs. The IMBSEDC coordinates the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois, and provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse.

 

"This is an opportunity for our defense communities to voice challenges and opportunities for federal, state and local coordination," said Simon. "I look forward to engaging with these residents and working together to strengthen these communities."

 

Find up-to-date information about the listening posts and RSVP here.

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

REGION: Southwest - Scott Air Force Base

DATE: Friday, May 17

TIME: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Southwestern Illinois College, Liberal Arts Complex - Rooms 2311-2313, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville

 

REGION: Northwest - Rock Island Arsenal

DATE: Friday, May 31

TIME: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

LOCATION: TBA

 

REGION: Northeast - Naval Station Great Lakes

DATE: Wednesday, June 5

TIME: TBA

LOCATION: TBA

 

###
10 May 2013

Supreme Court of Iowa Order

By Iowa Judical Branch
Des Moines, Iowa, May 10, 2013---The Iowa State Senate Ethics Committee requested that Chief Justice Mark Cady appoint an independent special counsel to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a violation of a state statute or the Senate Code of Ethics has occurred. Chief Justice Cady appointed Des Moines attorney Mark Weinhardt.


http://www.iowacourts.gov/Supreme_Court/Orders/
09 May 2013

Iowa CRP Meetings for Landowners Prior to Signup Hosted by PF

By Pheasants Forever News

General CRP sign-up runs May 20th through June 14th

Iowa - May 7, 2013 - Pheasants Forever is hosting informational meetings across Iowa for landowners and agricultural producers in advance of the USDA Farm Service Agency's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up that runs May 20th through June 14th. Led by Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists, landowners can learn how to increase their farm or ranch income while creating wildlife habitat in the process.

"It is Pheasants Forever's belief that there is room for conservation on every farm and ranch in the country," says Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever's Vice President of Government Affairs, "Just a look at recent history - from a wet cycle to a historic drought last year - showcases this need for conservation. Programs like CRP provide stability for producers on lower-yielding, tougher-to-farm acres, while simultaneously serving as America's top habitat tool for pheasants and quail."

At CRP informational meetings, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists will discuss how the Conservation Reserve Program works, and provide landowners with expertise on increasing the chances of their acreage qualifying for the program. While a majority of meetings are occurring prior to the opening of CRP General Sign-Up 45, in some areas meetings extend into the first few weeks of the open sign-up period.

Nomsen encourages landowners to attend the meetings and to not assume there's no room for conservation practices in an era of record crop production and prices. "CRP rental rates may be significantly higher in some areas than in years past, some CRP practices allow for haying and grazing, others encourage pollinator habitat, and those pollinating insects are also necessary for agricultural production. Every farm in the country, whether it's 200 acres or 2,000 acres, has a percentage of acreage in production that annually loses money. So we're looking to work together with landowners to identify these areas and help their bottom line, and also help Pheasants Forever's bottom line of conserving wildlife habitat."

The CRP informational meetings are organized by Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Landowners who can't make a CRP informational meeting are encouraged to make an appointment with their local Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist or visit their local FSA office.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 135,000 members and 730 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

Contact an Iowa Pheasants Forever Biologist

Iowa Pheasants Forever CRP Meeting Schedule

Biologist Meeting Venue Name Address Town County State Zip Date Time
Chris Hiher Manchester Pizza Ranch 1100 W Main St. Manchester Delaware IA 52057 5/16/2013 10AM
Chris Hiher Swiss Valley Nature Center 13606 Swiss Valley Rd Peosta Dubuque IA 52068 5/15/2013 1PM
Chris Hiher Swiss Valley Nature Center 13606 Swiss Valley Rd Peosta Dubuque IA 52068 5/15/2013 6PM
Eric Sytsma Mossy Oak Properties 2044 HWY 5 Albia Monroe IA 52531 5/28/2013 6PM
Eric Sytsma Drake Community Library 930 Park St Grinnell Poweshiek IA 50112 5/21/2013 6PM
Eric Sytsma ISU Extension Office 212 North I Oskaloosa Mahaska IA 52577 5/23/2013 6PM
Jeff Potts USDA Service Center 300 Chamber Dr Anamosa Jones IA 52205 5/20/2013 12PM
Jeff Potts Linn County Extension Office 383 Collins Rd. NE Suite 201 Cedar Rapids Linn IA 52402 5/14/2013 6PM
Jeff Potts Central Park 12515 Central Park Rd Center Junction Jones IA 52212 5/31/2013 5PM
Jeff Potts Coggon Fire Station 101 N Railroad St Coggon Linn IA 52218 5/22/2013 6:30PM
Jeff Potts Fairfax Public Library 313 Vanderbilt Street Fairfax Linn IA 52228 5/19/2013 3PM
Jeff Potts Jones County Extension 800 N. Maple St. Suite 2 Monticello Jones IA 52310 5/21/2013 5:30PM
Jeff Potts Mt. Vernon City Building 213 1st St. NW Mt. Vernon Linn IA 52314 5/30/2013 7PM
Jeff Potts Wickiup Hill Learning Center 10260 Morris Hill Road Toddville Linn IA 52341 5/28/2013 7PM
Matt Allen ISU Extension Office 304 E 7th St Logan Harrison IA 51546 5/23/2013 9:30AM
Tyler Bass Jackson Building Madison County Fairgrounds Winterset Madison IA 50273 5/23/2013 6PM

-30-
Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.
09 May 2013

Recent Amendments and New Rules.

By Iowa Judicial Branch

The following documents are amendments to the Iowa Court Rules or new court rules recently approved by the Iowa Supreme Court.
In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 9 (May 9, 2013)

Child Support Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2013

Order (69 kb)


Chapter 9, Child Support Guidelines (2168 kb)


Child Support Guidelines Review Committee Final Report (2595 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure and Organization and Procedures of Appellate Courts in Chapters 6 and 21 of the Iowa Court Rules (March 5, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has approved rules governing electronic appellate processes. The rules, to be contained in the Chapter 16 court rules pertaining to EDMS, are prospective only. The court will announce an effective date for the rules and for implementation of electronic filing in the appellate courts at a later date.

Order (63 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure and Organization and Procedures of Appellate Courts in Chapters 6 and 21 of the Iowa Court Rules (March 5, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has amended the rules of appellate procedure contained in chapter 6 of the Iowa Court Rules and has rescinded and rewritten the rules governing the organization and procedures of appellate courts contained in Chapter 21 of the Iowa Court Rules.
Effective May 3, 2013

Order (74 kb)


Chapter 6 and Chapter 21 (116 kb)



In the Matter of Adoption of an Emeritus Pro Bono Practice Rule (March 1, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has adopted an emeritus pro bono practice rule (Iowa Court Rule 31.19) that encourages retired or retiring Iowa attorneys, including attorneys licensed in other states, to provide volunteer legal services on behalf of legal aid organizations serving low income persons in Iowa.
Effective immediately

Order and Rule Amendments (323 kb)



In the Matter of New Rule of Civil Procedure (December 6, 2012)

The Iowa Supreme Court has approved the addition of rule 1.1702 to the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure providing a uniform process for interstate depositions and discovery.

Supervisory Order (157 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules (November 8, 2012)

Forms Regarding Appointment of Counsel
Temporarily adopting the attached forms, effective immediately. Forms permanently take effect January 7, 2013.

Supervisory Order and Forms Regarding Appointment of Counsel (294 kb)



In the Matter of Iowa Court Rule 31.16 (Sept. 13, 2012)

Registration of House Counsel
Effective immediately

Order (49 kb)


Chapter 31 (272 kb)



In the Matter of Standard Forms of Pleadings for Small Claims Actions (Sept. 13, 2012)

Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules -- Form 3.27:Verification of Account
Effective immediately

Order (90 kb)


Chapter 3, Form 3.27 (45 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules Governing Lawyer Advertising (August 28, 2012)

Effective January 1, 2013

Order and Chapter 32 (1114 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules 35.17 and 42.1 (August 24, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 35.17 and 42.1 (66 kb)



In the Matter of Amendment of Iowa Court Rule 35.1 (August 24, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 35.1 (56 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating Admission to the Bar (July 13, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 31.11(3), and OPR change to rule 31.12 (119 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules (July 5, 2012)

Supervisory Order, Chapter 13 (516 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules (June 29, 2012)

Order, Chapter 13 and Forms (1418 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure (May 21, 2012)

6.1005 Regarding Frivolous Appeals and Withdrawal of Counsel (Including Related Changes to Other Rules)
Effective immediately

Order (147 kb)


Rule 6.1005 (194 kb)



In the Matter of Standard Forms of Pleadings for Small Claims Actions (May 7, 2012)

Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules is rescinded effective July 1, 2012, and revised Chapter 3 is adopted. Until July 1, 2012, parties may use either the current pleadings forms or the new pleadings forms.

Order (129 kb)


Chapter 3 -- Small Claims forms (711 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating the Practice of Law (May 2, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Nunc Pro Tunc (59 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Strikethrough version) (4618 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Final version) (396 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 32:7.4 (March 12, 2012)

The Court adds Veterans Law to the list of fields of practice and specialization.

Order (80 kb)



Iowa Courts Rules

The Chief Justice has signed a supplemental order specifying the effective date of the amendment to Rule 41.3(2)

Supplemental Order (35 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (February 20, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Order (183 kb)


Amendments (10043 kb)


Summary of Amendments (87 kb)



In the Matter of Amendment to Chapter 11 (December 30, 2011)

New Standards of Conduct for Mediators is based on the 2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators. Prior to publication of the new standards, the Iowa Code Editor's office has revised the numbering format of the new standards. In addition, the court has made punctuation and grammatical changes to the new standards.

Nunc Pro Tunc (361 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 46.13(4) (December 12, 2011)

Causes for disciplinary action.

Order and Amendment (338 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 12 (November 14, 2011)

Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved statutory changes that prohibit the possession, receipt, and shipment of firearms and ammunition by a person found by a court to be mentally ill. To comply with this legislation, the court amended two forms used for civil commitments pursuant to Chapter 229 of the Iowa Code.

Order (1202 kb)


Forms - Rule 12.36 - Form 3 and Form 13 (762 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 10, 2011)

Amendment to chapter 11 of the Iowa Court Rules? Adoption of Standards of Conduct for Mediators Summary?At the recommendation of the Iowa State Bar Association, the American Academy of Alternate Dispute Resolution Attorneys, and others, the court replaces chapter 11 of the Iowa Court Rules, "Rules Governing Standards of Practice for Lawyer Mediators in Family Disputes," with new standards of conduct for mediators. The current standards have changed little since their adoption in 1987. The new standards mirror the 2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators with one exception. The court added a provision concerning the scope of the rules. This provision provides that the "standards apply to mediators who are lawyers licensed to practice law in Iowa, mediators who participate in any mediation program approved by a court of this state, and mediators in any matter required to be mediated by an Iowa court order or rule." The standards for mediators in the prior version of chapter 11 applied to lawyer mediators in family disputes only. The new standards take effect January 1, 2012.

Order and Amended Rule (352 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (November 30, 2010)

Amendment to Rules of Civil Procedure 1.909 -- The supreme court amends Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.909, setting the fee for late settlement of jury trials, to include a party's waiver of jury trial within the rule's time frame.
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective January 28, 2011

Order and amended rule (479 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 24, 2010)

Amendment to Rule 41.12 requires all lawyers newly admitted by examination to complete a basic skills course on Iowa law within one year after admission to the Iowa bar. The supreme court amends the rule to permit new lawyers to take the basic skills course during the time between completion of the bar examination and admission to practice.
Effective immediately

Order and amended rule (565 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (August 3, 2010)

Amendments to Rules of Civil Procedure 1.1007 and 1.1008--Time to file certain post-ruling motions
These amendments increase the amount of time that a party has to file certain post-ruling motions. The court increased the time to file such motions from ten days after the filing of a verdict to fifteen days after the filing of a verdict. This additional time is intended to address case processing delays that cut into the time parties have to file such motions. These delays are the on-going consequence of the severe cuts in the judicial branch budget over the past decade.
Efffective August 9, 2010

Amendment (483 kb)


Supervisory Order (638 kb)



Amendment to Code of Judicial Conduct (June 23, 2010)

Amendment to Application Section
Summary ? This amendment is a technical correction.
Effective immediately

Amendment (342 kb)



Amendment to Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.19(4) (June 17, 2010)

Amendment to Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.19(4) Reporting Opening Statements and Closing Arguments?This amendment requires the reporting of opening statements and final arguments in a criminal trial. The former version of the rule required reporting of these remarks only upon request of a party. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that a complete record of all aspects of a trial exists to enable a complete review of a case on appeal. Under the former rule, the absence of a record of opening statements and closing arguments frequently hampered appellate review, particularly with regard to questions of error preservation and prejudice.
Effective August 16, 2010

Order and Rule (239 kb)



Rule 22.28 Report Form (May 27, 2010)

Amended form for filing transcript income and expense reports.

Supervisory Order (589 kb)



Amendment to Rule of Judicial Administration (May 27, 2010)

Amendments to Rule 22.28(7) ?Court Reporter Transcript Income and Expense Reports
Summary?In response to feedback from court reporters regarding the work involved in producing these reports and confusion about certain reporting requirements, the court amended the rule to require only one report a year (May 1) rather than two reports a year.
Effective immediately

Order and rule (271 kb)



Rules for Expanded Media Coverage (May 27, 2010)

Amendment to Rule 25.3?Witness Objection to Request for Media Coverage
Summary?At the request of the Clerks' Manual Committee, the court amended this rule to provide that a witness is entitled to assistance from the clerk of court in providing copies of the witness's objection to EMC coverage to attorneys, parties, the presiding judge, the district court administrator, and the media coordinator.
Effective immediately

Order and rule (394 kb)



Rule of Appellate Procedure (May 27, 2010)

Procedure 6.1401 Form 5?TPR and CINA Expedited Appeal
Summary?The Iowa Court of Appeals recommended these changes to the CINA/TPR petition form for the purpose of obtaining more direction and information from an appellant regarding the issues being raised on appeal.
Effective immediately

Order and form (1457 kb)



Rules of Civil Procedure (May 26, 2010)

Amendment to Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1013(1) ?Fee for Petition to Vacate or Modify a Judgment
Summary?Earlier this year, the court amended this rule to require the payment of a filing fee when filing a motion or petition for vacating or modifying a judgment. Later, the court was informed of confusion among clerks of court and attorneys about the application of this rule, particularly with respect to small claims cases. Clerks of court asked for guidance. To clarify the rule, the court adopted this amendment. The amendment clarifies that a petition of this nature when filed in small claims shall require payment of the fee for filing a small claims case set forth in section 631.6(1)(a). Currently, the filing fee for small claims cases is $85.

Effective July 24, 2010

Order and rule (641 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 30, 2010)

Adopted effective May 3, 2010

Order (17337 kb)


Chapter 51, Code of Judicial Conduct (16861 kb)


22.12 Senior Judges (767 kb)


22.22 Gifts (661 kb)


32:1.12 Professional Conduct (237 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (March 9, 2010)

1.431 Motion practice
1.1013 Procedure for vacating or modifying judgment
Adopted, effective May 10, 2010

Amendments (650 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (March 9, 2010)

Rule 22.30 -- Use of signature facsimile
Amended, effective immediately

Order and amended rule (568 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (January 19, 2010)

Chapter 31--Admission to the Bar
Chapter 39--Client Security Commission
Chapter 41--Continuing Legal Education
Amended, effective immediately

Order and amended rules (1599 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (January 7, 2010)

1.431 Motion practice
1.909 Fee for late settlement of jury trial
Adopted, effective March 8, 2010

Amended rules (445 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (January 6, 2010)

Court Records
Chapter 20
Adopted, effective immediately

Order and new rules (382 kb)



Iowa Rule of Appellate Procedure (December 18, 2009)

Rule 6.702 Filing fees and copies
Effective immediately

Order and rule (435 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure (November 12, 2009)

1.442(5) Filing of pleadings or papers with the court

Supervisory Order and amended rule (468 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 12, 2009)

Rule 22.39 Staffing offices of clerks of court
Rule 22.40 Public business hours of offices of clerks of court

Order and Rules (365 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 9, 2009)

Rule 22.28 Transcripts - transcript fee and expense report
Amended, effective immediately

Order and Amended Rules 22.28 (657 kb)


Supervisory Order and Rule 22, 28 Report (578 kb)


Staff Summary (768 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (October 28, 2009)

State's duty to disclose witnesses
Amended, effective immediately

Rule 2.11(12) (2045 kb)


Staff Explanation (211 kb)


Nunc Pro Tunc (1670 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (October 12, 2009)

Basic skills course requirement
Effective immediately

Rule 41.12 (new) (483 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (August 10, 2009)

Deposition subpoena 1.715
Court reporter memorandum 1.903(3)
Judgment on the pleadings 1.954
Subpoena 1.1701
Forms 12,13, 14 and 15, 1.1901
Effective October 9, 2009

New Rules and forms (4849 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (August 10, 2009)

Oral Argument, Rule 21.24
Effective immediately

Amended rule (273 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (August 10, 2009)

Admission to the Bar
Rules 31.12, 35.1, 39.14, 42.7, 47.3, and 47.5
Amended, effective immediately

Rule 47.6 adopted
Old Rules 47.6-47.12 renumbered
Effective immediately

Order and amendments (1847 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (July 27, 2009)

Rules 35.19, 35.20, 35.21
Filing Certificates of Noncompliance
Effective immediately

Amended Rules (1831 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (June 29, 2009)

Service by e-mail
Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.453
Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.34
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective August 28, 2009

Emancipation of minors
Rules of Juvenile Procedure 8.35
Temporarily adopted, effective immediately
Permanently effective August 28, 2009

Supervisory Order and amendments (768 kb)



Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure 6.701(7) (June 29, 2009)

Service by e-mail
Rule 6.701(7)
Effective immediately

Order and rule (201 kb)



Iowa Court Rules ( June 3, 2009)

Organization of Appellate Courts; Judicial Administration
Rules 21.24(3) and 22.30 are amended
Effective immediately

Amended rules (586 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (June 3, 2009)

Admission to the Bar
Rule 31.18 adopted
Rules 31.14 and 31.25 forms 1 and 2 are amended
Effective immediately

Chapter 31 (4765 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

31.2 Admission to the Bar
Effective immediately

Amended Rule (336 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

25.5 Expanded Media Coverage
Effective immediately

Amended Rule (318 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

9.8(2) Child Support Guidelines
Correction to guidelines that take effect on July 1

Amended Rule (251 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 3, 2009)

Iowa Rules of Evidence
5.502 Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product
5.615 Exclusion of witnesses
5.803 Hearsay exceptions
5.804 Hearsay exceptions
5.807 Residual Exception
Effective June 1, 2009

new Rules of Evidence (1527 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (April 3, 2009)

Rule 2.4(6), 2.5(3) and 2.11(11)
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective June 1, 2009

Supervisory Order and amendments (2049 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (March 25, 2009)

Amendments to Rules of Evidence 5.803, 5.902, and 5.1101
Effective May 25, 2009

Amendments to Chapter 5 (940 kb)



Iowa Court Rule 12.36 (March 9, 2009)

Forms 32 and 33
Effective May 11, 2009

Forms (663 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 9 (March 9, 2009)

Child Support Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2009

Chapter 9, Guidelines and Worksheet (2441 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure 2.4(6) and 2.5(3) (December 23, 2008)

Minutes of evidence--witness information
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Effective February 23, 2009

Chapters 2.4(6) and 2.5(3) (619 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 6-Appellate Rules (October 31, 2008)
Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 1.1010 and 1.1401 - 1.1412
Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.73
Iowa Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.21

Effective January 1, 2009

Chapter 6 and Amended Rules (30755 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapters 22 and 51 (October 31, 2008)

Senior judge program
Effective January 1, 2009

Chapters 22 and 51 (1610 kb)



Iowa Court Rules 31.12 and 31.13 (October 16, 2008)

Admission on motion
Effective immediately

Rules 31.12 and 31.13 (1183 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapters 12 and 13 (October 1, 2008)

Involuntary commitment proceedings
Effective December 15, 2008

Chapters 12 and 13 (1081 kb)



Iowa Court Rules 31.3, 31.4 and 31.5 (September 17, 2008)

Iowa Bar Examination
Effective immediately

Admission to the Bar, Chapter 31 (1228 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.422 (July 31, 2008)

Protected information
Effective October 1, 2008 Delayed until further order

Rule 1.422 (141 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedures 1.903 and Rule 1.1901 Form 12 (July 31, 2008)

Trial of issues
Court Reporter memorandum
Effective October 1, 2008

Rule 1.1901 and Rule 1.1901 Form 12 (143 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 23 (June 27, 2008)

Time Standards for case processing, notice of civil trial-setting conference and trial scheduling order
Effective September 1, 2008

Chapter 23 (1836 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedures 1.906 (June 27, 2008)

Civil trial-setting conference
Effective September 1, 2008

Rule 1.906 (452 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1901 and Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.32 (June 26, 2008)

Rule of Civil Procedure 1.901 forms 8 and 9
Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.32 forms 1 and 2
Temporary adoption of amendments by supervisory order
Permanent effective date September 1, 2008

Rules 1.1901 and 2.32 (1350 kb)


Supervisory Order (198 kb)



Approved Iowa court forms for child support modification (June 16, 2008)

Order (128 kb)


Court Forms
09 May 2013

"Spring Time - Festival Time"

By Gregory Schmidt
The 22nd annual IOWA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL & Gathering o'Celts will be enhanced this year with additional components, since it will be the final production for its originator Gregory Schmidt.
     On Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26-27th (11am to 6pm), armies of performers, edutainers and educators will converge onto the grounds and six stages of Middle Amana Park in the heart of the Amana Colonies. All of the participants have been recruited or developed through the years by Greg Schmidt, producer-director of numerous special events.
     "I wanted this to be a showcasing of many of our most popular Iowa Renaissance Festival acts, since it will be my grand finale' of sorts," Schmidt laments.
     The popular festival, which will be operated by another local production group in the future, will maintain its look as has been presented by Schmidt's Iowa-based Festivals International.
     Some of the unique hi-lights are the equestrian spectacle Joust Evolution, Shattock Schoole of Defense comedy theater, Brotherhood of Steel from Kansas City, Have Court Will Travel from Des Moines, The Horsemen fairy tale theater from Nebraska, and Clan MacSwade's highland games demonstrations.
     There will also be a variety of other regional acts and village characters newly added to the festival roster, such as the Hardtack Jack pub band from Minnesota, the Fabulous Fantastic Flying Fratellis from Omaha, Swords and Shenanigans, Rolling Hills Stables pony ride, and the premiere of Punch & Judy Puppet Show.
     In all there will be 58 scheduled stage shows daily with some 200 costumed village minstrels and strolling characters.
     The merchant's bazaar will be enhanced with ten additional artisan vendors, which will make for the largest shopping village the festival has ever had. This will include everything from custom-made jewelry to collector weapons. Most of the unique hand-made goods available can only be found at a regional Renaissance faire, with many of the artisans demonstrating their skills.
     Crane Winery will be added to the Royal Pavilion beer garden. Plus, an additional Mediterranean food stall will be added to the outside food court.
     Living history encampment groups, such as Warwick and Guardians of the Black Forest, will fill the rolling meadow of the park with a variety of folk life exhibits and combat shows.
     Plus, there will be hands-on activities such as knife-tossing and public archery.
     Admission costs for the Iowa Renaissance Festival will remain the same at $10 for adults, $6 for kids from 6 to 13, with tots free. The two-day pass will be $17, and the three-day pass will be $22. Group discounts are available. Parking is free.
     For location info and directions go to www.amanacolonies.com and for event details go to www.iowarenfest.com or greg@festint.com (641) 357-5177.
     *Gregory Schmidt, known as Sir William Rogers at the faire, will be spending the future producing Iowa interest documentaries, running his new charity Quarters for Quarters and promoting the Plant Your Parking front lawn gardening movement.
09 May 2013

Simon to testify in support of ethics reform measure

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Simon will testify in support of legislation that will improve the disclosures made by elected and high-ranking government officials. Senate Bill 1361, sponsored by Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) will be heard in the Senate's Executive Committee today.

"This legislation will improve disclosure forms that are confusing to filers and do not give Illinois residents adequate information about whether state leaders hold conflicts of interest," Simon said. "I encourage the committee to help us continue to increase government transparency by passing this bill."

SB 1361 proposes a revised disclosure form, known as a Statement of Economic Interests, which must be filed with the secretary of state's office or county clerk's office, or postmarked annually by May 1. The current forms, which are filed by elected officials, high-ranking government employees and candidates, have not been updated since being introduced 40 years ago.

The revised form would require filers to list outside sources of income, lobbyist relationships and loans made or accepted on terms not available to the general public, for the first time. Simon, who served on the Illinois Reform Commission, worked with government watchdog groups to draft Senate Bill 1361. The legislation is Simon's top transparency initiative of 2013.

DATE: Wednesday, May 8

TIME: 2 p.m. - committee begins

PLACE: Room 212, State Capitol, Springfield

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09 May 2013

Attention local teens - JOIN NOW - applications for youth philanthropy accepted until May 31

By Rick Martin
May 6, 2013

Bettendorf, Iowa, Teens for Tomorrow (T4T), the only program in the Quad Cities that gives high school students the opportunity to grant money to nonprofit organizations, is accepting members for the 2013-2014 school year. The deadline for applications has been extended to May 31, 2013.

T4T participants make a positive impact in the lives of our community members by distributing annual grants totaling $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations. The teens make these distributions after thorough evaluation of grant requests and learning about various nonprofits who applied - their role, what they do, how they help people.

"By getting involved in T4T, you meet a lot of new people. With $10,000 you have a great experience helping a lot of nonprofits and you'll create memories that will last a lifetime," says current T4T student director and alum Brady Frieden.

By joining Teens for Tomorrow, members become part of a nationwide trend of young people who are making their voices heard in the community through philanthropy and service. Through the T4T program, high school students will learn about the grantmaking process and develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills, as well as become better informed about community issues and how youth can address these needs. T4T is open to 9-12 grade students attending high school in Rock Island County, IL and Scott County, IA. Meetings are held one Sunday a month from September - May at local nonprofits.

Student applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 31, 2013 and should be sent to the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, 852 Middle Road, Ste 100, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Applications can be found at the Community Foundation's website, http://www.cfgrb.org.

For more information about Teens for Tomorrow, contact the Community Foundation's T4T manager, Kodie Wittenauer at (563) 326-2840 or T4T@cfgrb.org.

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07 May 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Adds More Names to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt spring publication is scheduled to be released soon. The upcoming list is the latest names of unclaimed property owners with undiscovered treasures. This is part of Fitzgerald's continuous promotion of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.

"In upcoming weeks, we will be publishing names of people who have had funds turned over to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt," stated Fitzgerald. "You don't have to wait for the publication, go to greatiowatreasurehunt.com and search the entire list anytime. I encourage everyone to search for their name; a lot of individuals will be pleasantly surprised."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $160 million in unclaimed property to more than 394,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, safe deposit box contents and many other types of property.

Check the unclaimed property database to see if the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has property belonging to you. Simply visit greatiowatreasurehunt.com to begin your search.

###

07 May 2013

May Marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

By Staff Sgt. Jaime Witt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- As summer approaches and temperatures rise, more than 350,000 registered motorcycles in Illinois will emerge from their garages. The Office of Safety and Occupational Health would like to remind the motorcyclists of the Illinois Army National Guard of safety expectations and requirements.

Maj. Jayson Coble of Springfield, Ill., the safety and occupational health manager for the Illinois Army National Guard, said motorcycle safety is important because motorcycling is inherently more dangerous. According to the Division of Traffic Safety, there were 145 motorcyclist fatalities in 2011, an increase from the previous year.

"You're riding on two wheels instead of four," said Coble. "An experienced rider once told me that when you're on a motorcycle you've always got to watch out for everyone else around you, because they're not watching out for you."

Soldiers are reminded there are specific requirements for riding a motorcycle when on duty, which includes travel to and from training, as well as riding on any military installation. In order to ride, Soldiers must have the "M" designator on their Illinois driver's license and must have completed the Basic Rider Course within the last three years. Coble said the 15-hour course is offered free of cost at many sites throughout the state from February through October every year. A refundable $20 deposit is required to hold a seat, and the course provides a helmet and motorcycle for student use.

"The course teaches a person who has never ridden a motorcycle before, by the end of the weekend, to ride by themselves confidently," Coble said.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ladd of Seymour, Ill., a driving instructor with the 129th Regimental Training Institute out of Springfield, Ill., has been an avid rider since graduating high school and said the Basic Rider Course is essential.

"I am a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-trained rider from the beginning," Ladd said. "I asked my father to teach me how to ride his bike. He told me when I turned 18, I could take a class from the state. I enrolled in the class after graduation and have been riding ever since."

Coble stated even experienced riders benefit from taking the basic rider course.

"The course teaches you things you may not have thought of before," Coble said. "Instructors talk about bad habits people get into after they've ridden for a while, and things certainly change over the course of time. After you've been riding for a long time, you can become complacent and complacency kills."

In addition to the course and licensure requirement, Soldiers must wear a helmet, eye protection, full-length pants, jacket, gloves and reflective gear. Coble said appropriate personal protective equipment is not only required, but will help save you in the case of an accident.

"I think the most important thing is a helmet," Coble said. "You have only one head, and that's probably the most vulnerable part of your body to injury and head injuries are the hardest to recover from if you survive."

Ladd echoed this sentiment.

"Buy a helmet that you'll wear," Ladd said. "It is the most important thing I've picked up as I became a more seasoned rider. I wouldn't wear a helmet if it was uncomfortable."

Ladd also said proper maintenance is another important part of safety, as well as riding alert.

"If there is any one thing to point out, don't ride when you're impaired," Ladd said. "If you make a mistake, there is no forgiveness."

More information can be found at http://safety.army.mil and http://www.msf-usa.org.

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