13ATTORNEY GENERALIGENERAL PROVISIONS13.1Department of justice.The department of justice, with the attorney general as head thereof, shall be located at the seat of government.[R60, §124; C73, §150, 3770; C97, §208, 211; S13, §208, 211; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §148; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.1]13.2Duties.1It shall be the duty of the attorney general, except as otherwise provided by law to:aProsecute and defend all causes in the appellate courts in which the state is a party or interested.bProsecute and defend in any other court or tribunal, all actions and proceedings, civil or criminal, in which the state may be a party or interested, when, in the attorney general’s judgment, the interest of the state requires such action, or when requested to do so by the governor, executive council, or general assembly. The attorney general may prosecute a criminal proceeding on behalf of the state even if a county attorney does not request the attorney general to act as a county attorney in a proceeding under section 331.754, subsection 7.cProsecute and defend all actions and proceedings brought by or against any state officer in the officer’s official capacity.dProsecute and defend all actions and proceedings brought by or against any employee of a judicial district department of correctional services in the performance of an assessment of risk.eGive an opinion in writing, when requested, upon all questions of law submitted by the general assembly or by either house thereof, or by any state officer, elective or appointive. Questions submitted by state officers must be of a public nature and relate to the duties of such officer.fPrepare drafts for contracts, forms, and other writings which may be required for the use of the state.gSupervise county attorneys in all matters pertaining to the duties of their offices, and from time to time to require of them reports as to the condition of public business entrusted to their charge.hPromptly account, to the treasurer of state, for all state funds received by the attorney general.iKeep in proper books a record of all official opinions, and a register of all actions, prosecuted and defended by the attorney general, and of all proceedings had in relation thereto, which books shall be delivered to the attorney general’s successor.jPerform all other duties required by law.kInform prosecuting attorneys and assistant prosecuting attorneys to the state of all changes in law and matters pertaining to their office and establish programs for the continuing education of prosecuting attorneys and assistant prosecuting attorneys. The attorney general may accept funds, grants and gifts from any public or private source which shall be used to defray the expenses incident to implementing duties under this paragraph.lEstablish and administer, in cooperation with the law schools of Drake university and the state university of Iowa, a prosecutor intern program incorporating the essential elements of the pilot program denominated “law student intern program in prosecutors’ office” funded by the Iowa crime commission and participating counties. The attorney general shall consult with an advisory committee including representatives of each participating law school and the Iowa county attorneys association, inc. concerning development, administration, and critique of this program. The attorney general shall report on the program’s operation annually to the general assembly and the supreme court.mDevelop written procedures and policies to be followed by prosecuting attorneys in the prosecution of domestic abuse cases under chapters 236 and 708.nDevelop written procedures and policies to be followed by prosecuting attorneys in the prosecution of elder abuse of a vulnerable elder under chapter 235F.oSubmit a report by January 15 of each year to the co-chairpersons and ranking members of the joint appropriations subcommittee on the justice system, to the executive council, and to the legislative services agency detailing all money settlement awards and court money awards that were awarded to the state of Iowa. The report shall specify the parties to each settlement or court proceeding, any court of jurisdiction, the settlement amount, the state’s share of the settlement amount, the name of the fund in which the receipts were deposited, and the planned use of the moneys.pDevelop written procedures and policies to be followed by prosecuting attorneys in the prosecution of elder abuse, older individual assault, theft against an older individual, consumer frauds committed against an older individual, and financial exploitation of an older individual under sections 708.2D, 714.2A, 714.16A, 726.24, and 726.25.qEnforce the prohibitions on guaranteed income programs as described in section 331.301, subsection 24, and section 364.3, subsection 18.2Executing the duties of this section shall not be deemed a violation of section 68B.6.[R60, §124 – 127, 130, 131; C73, §150 – 153; C97, §208 – 210; S13, §208-a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §149; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.2]95 Acts, ch 180, §1; 99 Acts, ch 112, §1; 2004 Acts, ch 1091, §1; 2008 Acts, ch 1032, §121; 2009 Acts, ch 119, §32; 2014 Acts, ch 1107, §9; 2014 Acts, ch 1138, §17; 2015 Acts, ch 30, §6; 2018 Acts, ch 1168, §18; 2022 Acts, ch 1132, §9; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §2047, 2073; 2024 Acts, ch 1109, §1, 413.3Disqualification substitute.1If, for any reason, the attorney general is disqualified from appearing in any action or proceeding, the executive council shall authorize the appointment of a suitable person for that purpose. There is appropriated from moneys in the general fund not otherwise appropriated an amount necessary to pay the reasonable expense for the person appointed. The department involved in the action or proceeding shall be requested to recommend a suitable person to represent the department and when the executive council concurs in the recommendation, the person recommended shall be appointed.2If the governor or a department is represented by an attorney other than the attorney general in a court proceeding as provided in this section, at the conclusion of the court proceedings, the court shall review the fees charged to the state to determine if the fees are fair and reasonable. The executive council shall not authorize reimbursement of attorney fees in excess of those determined by the court to be fair and reasonable.[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §150; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.3]92 Acts, ch 1240, §12; 2011 Acts, ch 131, §19, 15813.4Assistant and deputy attorneys general.The attorney general may appoint a chief deputy attorney general and such other deputy and assistant attorneys general as may be authorized by law, who shall devote their entire time to the duties of their positions. The deputy and assistant attorneys general shall, subject to the direction of the attorney general, have the same power and authority as the attorney general.[C97, §212; S13, §212; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §151; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.4]2023 Acts, ch 19, §2048, 207313.5Assistant for department of revenue.Repealed by 2023 Acts, ch 19, §2072, 2073.13.6Agency reimbursement for legal services.The attorney general may charge departments, agencies, and other state governmental entities for the cost of performing legal services for the department, agency, or governmental entity. Upon request of the attorney general, a department or agency shall provide and equip a suitable office for an assistant attorney general or other staff providing legal services exclusively for that department or agency.2023 Acts, ch 19, §2049, 207313.7Special counsel.1A department, agency, or other state governmental entity shall not contract for legal services to be provided by a private attorney unless authorized by the executive council under this section or section 13.3. The executive council may authorize employment of legal assistance, at a reasonable compensation, in a pending action or proceeding to protect the interests of the state, but only upon a sufficient showing, in writing, made by the attorney general, that the department of justice cannot for reasons stated by the attorney general perform the service. The reasons and action of the executive council shall be entered upon its records. If the attorney general determines that the department of justice cannot perform legal service in an action or proceeding, the executive council shall request the department involved in the action or proceeding to recommend legal counsel to represent the department. If the attorney general concurs with the department that the person recommended is qualified and suitable to represent the department, the person recommended shall be employed. If the attorney general does not concur in the recommendation, the department shall submit a new recommendation. 2The executive branch and the attorney general shall also comply with chapter 23B when retaining legal counsel on a contingency fee basis under this section, as appropriate.[S13, §208-b; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §152; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.7; 81 Acts, ch 22, §1]83 Acts, ch 127, §1; 96 Acts, ch 1186, §23; 2005 Acts, ch 150, §120; 2011 Acts, ch 131, §20, 158; 2012 Acts, ch 1112, §1; 2016 Acts, ch 1073, §5; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §2050, 207313.8Expenses.The attorney general and the attorney general’s assistants shall be repaid their actual and necessary expenses incurred in transacting their official duties at places other than the seat of government.[C73, §3770; C97, §211; S13, §211; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §153; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.8]13.9Salary.The salary of the attorney general shall be as fixed by the general assembly, and the salaries of the chief deputy attorney general and other deputy and assistant attorneys general shall be such as may be fixed by law.[C31, 35, §153-c1; C39, §153.1; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §13.9]2023 Acts, ch 19, §2051, 207313.10Physical criminal evidence — DNA profiling.Repealed by 2005 Acts, ch 158, §17, 19.See chapter 81. 13.11Exclusive criminal jurisdiction over election crimes.Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the attorney general shall have exclusive jurisdiction to prosecute all criminal proceedings under chapter 39A.2023 Acts, ch 19, §2052, 207313.12Prosecution of criminal offenses committed by law enforcement officers.The attorney general may prosecute a criminal offense committed by a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 80B.3, arising from the actions of the officer resulting in the death of another, regardless of whether the county attorney requests the assistance of the attorney general or decides to independently prosecute the criminal offense committed by the officer. If the attorney general determines that criminal charges are not appropriate, the attorney general may refer the matter to the Iowa law enforcement academy council to recommend revocation or suspension of the officer’s certification if the attorney general determines that the officer committed misconduct that would be grounds for revocation or suspension of a certification under chapter 80B or 80D, or rules adopted pursuant to those chapters.2020 Acts, ch 1037, §1IIFARM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM13.13Farm assistance program coordinator — contract for mediation services.1The attorney general or the attorney general’s designee shall serve as the farm assistance program coordinator. The coordinator has the powers and duties specified in this subchapter.2The farm assistance program coordinator shall contract with a nonprofit organization chartered in this state to provide mediation services as provided in chapters 654A, 654B, and 654C. The contract may be terminated by the coordinator upon written notice and for good cause. The organization awarded the contract is designated as the farm mediation service for the duration of the contract. The organization may, upon approval by the coordinator, provide mediation services other than as provided by law. The farm mediation service is not a state agency for the purposes of chapter 8A, subchapter IV, and chapters 20 and 669.90 Acts, ch 1143, §3; 95 Acts, ch 195, §1; 2003 Acts, ch 145, §13313.14Farm mediation service — confidentiality.1Meetings of the farm mediation service are closed meetings and are not subject to chapter 21.2Confidentiality is also protected as provided in section 679C.108.90 Acts, ch 1143, §4; 98 Acts, ch 1062, §6; 2005 Acts, ch 68, §113.15Rules and forms fees.1The farm mediation service shall recommend rules to the farm assistance program coordinator. The coordinator shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to set the compensation of mediators and to implement this subchapter and chapters 654A, 654B, and 654C.2aThe rules shall provide for an hourly mediation fee not to exceed fifty dollars for the borrower and one hundred dollars for the creditor. The hourly mediation fee may be waived for any party demonstrating financial hardship upon application to the farm mediation service.bThe compensation of a mediator shall be no more than twenty-five dollars per hour, and all parties shall contribute an equal amount of the cost.3The coordinator shall adopt voluntary mediation application and mediation request forms.90 Acts, ch 1143, §5; 91 Acts, ch 267, §410; 95 Acts, ch 195, §2; 2016 Acts, ch 1011, §213.16Limitation on liability — immunity from special actions.1A member of the farm mediation staff, including a mediator, employee, or agent of the service, or member of a board for the service, is not liable for civil damages for a statement or decision made in the process of mediation, unless the member acts in bad faith, with malicious purpose, or in a manner exhibiting willful and wanton disregard of human rights, safety, or property.2A judicial action which seeks an injunction, mandamus, or similar equitable relief shall not be brought against the farm mediation service, including a mediator, employee, or agent of the service, or a member of a board for the service until completion of the mediation process.90 Acts, ch 1143, §613.17Reserved.13.18Reserved.13.19Reserved.13.20Repealed by 2019 Acts, ch 59, §238.13.21Repealed by 2019 Acts, ch 59, §238.13.22Repealed by 2019 Acts, ch 59, §238.13.23Repealed by 2019 Acts, ch 59, §238.13.24Repealed by 2019 Acts, ch 59, §238.13.25Reserved.13.26Reserved.13.27Reserved.13.28Reserved.13.29Reserved.13.30Reserved.IIIVICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM13.31Victim assistance program.A victim assistance program is established in the department of justice, which shall do all of the following:1Administer grants received under the federal Victims of Crime Act pursuant to Pub. L. No. 98-473, Tit. 2, ch. 14, 42 U.S.C. §10601, as amended by the federal Children’s Justice and Assistance Act, Pub. L. No. 99-401, 100 Stat. 903 (1986).2Administer the state crime victim compensation program as provided in chapter 915.3Administer the domestic abuse program provided in chapter 236 and the sexual abuse program provided in chapter 236A.4Administer the family violence prevention and services grants pursuant to the federal Child Abuse Amendments of 1984, Pub. L. No. 98-457, 42 U.S.C. §10401.5Administer payment for sexual abuse medical examinations pursuant to section 915.41.6Administer the violence against women program and grants received pursuant to the federal Violence Against Women Act, Tit. IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-322, 42 U.S.C. §13701.7Administer an automated victim notification system as authorized pursuant to section 915.10A.8Establish and administer the kit tracking system established pursuant to section 915.53 for tracking the location and status of sexual abuse evidence collection kits.9Administer the sexual assault forensic examiner program established pursuant to section 915.46 for training and providing technical assistance to sexual assault examiners and sexual assault nurse examiners.89 Acts, ch 279, §1; 90 Acts, ch 1251, §1; 91 Acts, ch 181, §16; 98 Acts, ch 1090, §58, 84; 2002 Acts, ch 1016, §1; 2007 Acts, ch 27, §1; 2010 Acts, ch 1061, §180; 2017 Acts, ch 121, §1; 2021 Acts, ch 107, §1; 2021 Acts, ch 108, §113.32Victim assistance grant programs annual report.1aThe department of justice shall compile an annual report relating to the victim assistance grant programs administered under section 13.31, subsections 1, 3, 4, and 6, which shall include all of the following:1A mission statement and table of organization of the department of justice relating to the victim assistance grant programs, a program summary, and statistics, including but not limited to sources and uses of funds and the numbers of victims served.2An itemization of out-of-state travel expenses incurred by an employee of the department of justice and an itemization of travel expenses paid to a contractor.3An itemization of overtime paid to an employee of the department or a contractor.4An itemization of any bonuses paid to an employee of the department or a contractor.5A summary of expenditures reimbursed through the programs, including but not limited to compensation paid to nonprofit organizations for travel and training expenses, utilities, payroll, benefits, equipment repairs and maintenance, rent, communications, advertising, supplies, insurance, and other direct expenses.bThe report shall be provided to the co-chairpersons and ranking members of the joint appropriations subcommittee on the justice system, the governor, and the legislative services agency by January 15, 2015, and each January 15 thereafter.2The department of justice shall adopt rules to administer claims for victim assistance grants described in subsection 1. The rules shall standardize the claim forms for contractors, including designating a place on the form for an itemization of services provided, mileage incurred, and expenses incurred. The rules shall further specify that the department of justice shall process the claims through the grants enterprise management office.2014 Acts, ch 1138, §18, 23; 2015 Acts, ch 30, §713.33Reserved.IVLEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS IN POVERTY13.34Legal services for persons in poverty grant program.1For the purposes of this section, “eligible individual” means an individual or household with an annual income which is less than one hundred twenty-five percent of the poverty guidelines established by the United States office of management and budget. The attorney general shall contract with an eligible nonprofit organization to provide legal assistance to eligible individuals in poverty. The contract shall be awarded within thirty days after May 30, 1996. The contract may be terminated by the attorney general after a hearing upon written notice and for good cause.2A nonprofit organization must comply with all of the following to be eligible for a contract under this section:aBe a nonprofit organization incorporated in this state.bHas lost or will lose funding due to a reduction in federal funding for the legal services corporation for federal fiscal year 1995-1996.cEmploy attorneys admitted to practice before the Iowa supreme court and the United States district courts.dEmploy attorneys and staff qualified to address legal problems experienced by eligible individuals.3The contracting nonprofit organization shall do all of the following:aOffer direct representation of eligible individuals in litigation and administrative cases, in accordance with priorities established by the organization’s board.bOffer technical support to eligible individuals.cInvolve private attorneys through volunteer lawyer projects to represent eligible individuals.dUtilize, to the fullest extent feasible, existing resources of accredited law schools within this state to provide consulting assistance to attorneys in the practice of law in their representation of persons in poverty.eAssist, to the fullest extent feasible, accredited law schools within this state in enhancing the schools’ expertise in the practice of law representing persons in poverty so that all attorneys within the state will have a resource available to provide training and experience in the practice of law representing persons in poverty.fCooperate, to the fullest extent feasible, with existing informational and referral networks among persons in poverty, providers of assistance to persons in poverty, and others concerned with assistance to persons in poverty.4The contracting nonprofit organization is not a state agency for the purposes of chapter 8A, subchapter IV, and chapters 20 and 669.5An individual is eligible to obtain legal representation and legal assistance from the contracting nonprofit organization if the eligible individual meets all of the following criteria:aThe eligible individual is a resident of this state.bThe eligible individual is financially unable to acquire legal assistance, in accordance with criteria established by the organization’s board.96 Acts, ch 1216, §27; 2003 Acts, ch 145, §135