This bill amends Section 648.22 of the Iowa Code to establish new procedures for sealing court records related to residential forcible entry and detainer actions, commonly known as eviction actions. It mandates that court records be sealed within three days if the defendant is found not guilty, the case is dismissed, or the plaintiff fails to appear. Additionally, if the court determines there is no genuine issue of material fact, it must also seal the records. The bill outlines specific conditions under which a defendant found guilty of nonpayment of rent can apply to have their records sealed, including the passage of time since the judgment and the absence of subsequent guilty findings.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that upon sealing, all related filings and documentation must be removed from public access, with exceptions for requests made by the defendant or their attorney for specific purposes. It also requires the state court administration to maintain aggregate records of such actions while ensuring the protection of the parties' identities. Notably, the bill clarifies that certain provisions do not apply to cases where a money judgment has been awarded, and it does not create an independent cause of action for tenants regarding the use of lawfully obtained information. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 648.22