Iowa raises many court fees and directs some money to legal aid

Clerks would collect higher fees for many court filings and services, and send part of the monthly collections to two state funds. The listed fees cover petitions, appeals, motions, judgments, liens, and other court services; small-claims filing fees also rise. Of each month's covered fee count, $20 per fee is split equally between the indigent defense fund and the attorney loan repayment trust fund; remaining covered fee money goes to the state general fund. For divorce filings, 20 percent goes to sexual assault and domestic violence centers through June 30, 2027, and 80 percent goes to the general fund. Starting July 1, 2027, the 20 percent is for a sexual assault forensic examination center grant program only if another 2026 act establishes it; otherwise the text does not specify that allocation. The fee changes and monthly transfers apply to fees paid on or after July 1, 2026.

The College Student Aid Commission would offer eligible attorneys loan repayment assistance under an agreement. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school within five years, hold an Iowa law license, and practice or commit to practice in Iowa. Attorneys must agree to practice in Iowa in their assigned area and provide a set number of yearly hours of legal services for people who qualify for appointed counsel. The commission gives priority to rural attorneys who provide specified annual service hours, with preferences for certain Iowa graduates. Awards are limited to 25 attorneys per year and 150 at a time; payment depends on available program funds. Assistance may continue for up to six consecutive years; the program is repealed July 1, 2041.

The state would pay appointed lawyers higher hourly rates for new appointments. Rates depend on whether the case is a class A felony, class B felony, or another case. The rates apply to appointments made on or after July 1, 2026.