Iowa establishes a court for certain complex business disputes

The Iowa Supreme Court establishes and maintains a business court for certain complex business disputes. Covered disputes include certain cases about business agreements, company affairs, trade secrets, commercial property, and business transactions. Government cases and some other claims are excluded, with stated exceptions. The business court shares authority with district courts. A case must allege at least $200,000 in compensatory damages, or mainly seek a court order or legal declaration and meet a listed business-related category. Claims for money damages for personal injury or death are excluded unless all parties and a business court judge agree they may proceed there. The law takes effect September 1, 2026, and applies to qualifying cases filed on or after that date. Parties may agree to transfer an eligible case already pending in district court.

The court assigns one judge to handle each case and another judge to lead a settlement conference. The assignments apply to every case filed in or transferred to the business court. The business court consists of two full-time judges. The Iowa Supreme Court may also assign visiting judges. These assignments begin when the law takes effect September 1, 2026.

The judicial branch reports on the business court’s performance to the legislature. The report concerns the business court established by the law. The report covers case times, transfers, costs, fees, appeals, and anonymous feedback from lawyers and other parties. The report is due on or before January 1, 2029.