The bill amends the qualifications for magistrates in Iowa by removing the requirement that a person must be an attorney licensed to practice law in the state to be appointed as a magistrate. Instead, the bill stipulates that while being a licensed attorney is no longer a prerequisite, county magistrate appointing commissions must first consider applicants who are licensed to practice law when selecting individuals for the magistrate position.

This change effectively reinstates the provision that was in place prior to April 1, 2009, allowing for a broader pool of candidates for the magistrate role while still prioritizing those with legal qualifications. The bill aims to enhance the selection process for magistrates by ensuring that licensed attorneys are given preference without making it a mandatory requirement for all applicants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602.6404