Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted
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HF 2619 — A bill for an act creating the uniform family law arbitration Act.

Last action — Signed by Governor.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 19, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds (Republican) on April 16, 2026.

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Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

531 added · 552 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent changes made to House File 2619 introduce the "Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act," which establishes a framework for resolving family law disputes through arbitration instead of traditional court processes. Key definitions have been added, such as what constitutes an "arbitration agreement," "arbitration organization," and "child custody dispute." This matters because it aims to streamline the resolution of family law issues, potentially making the process faster and more efficient for families involved.

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STATE OF IOWA KIMRENOLDS GOVERNR pil6226 TeHnrbealPe ertryfteoIoa tteptl Dsons,owa39 Dar.Sctr, Ieeyrni:
House File 2619 - Enrolled House File 2619 AN ACT CREATING THE UNIFORM FAMILY LAW ARBITRATION ACT.
Husele1,antcetgtenfrmmlyawbttoAt.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
Teaoeoueieseeyapoednhsa.
Section 1.
icry, Km^jlds Gvrorfoa c:
NEW SECTION.
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598A.1 Short title.
E T NATED Y E EERL SSMBY F HE ATE F W:
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act”.
ecion .
Sec.
EW CTON.
2.
98.1 hot ile.
NEW SECTION.
his aper hll e own d ay e ted s e Unfrm amlyLawrbtrtonAc".
598A.2 Definitions.
ec.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
EW ETON.
1.
98.2 efntins.
“Arbitration agreement” means an agreement which subjects a family law dispute to arbitration.
s sed n is aper, les he otxt terise rqirs:
2.
"Abirtin geeen"mens n geeent ich becs a miy aw ipue o ritato.
“Arbitration organization” means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity which is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator.
"Abirtin rgnzaio"mens n socaio, gecy, ar, omisin, r ter nity ih s eural ad ntite, posrs, r miisers n birtin r s ivlvd n he eecin f n rbtrtr.
3.
"Abtrao"meas n nivdul elctd r poite, aoe r ith hrs, o ke n wrd n aaily w isute wih s ubect o n btrtin green.
“Arbitrator” means an individual selected or appointed, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute which is subject to an arbitration agreement.
"Aar"mens n nerm wrd, mpray rer, r nal dsostin f a miy aw spte y n riraor.
4.
"Cildusodydsut"meas a mly aw spte rgadng eal utdy, hscal std, pretng lns, pretng ie, r iitton f ahid.
“Award” means an interim award, temporary order, or final disposition of a family law dispute by an arbitrator.
"Cilduport sut"meas a mly aw spte rgadng ianial pprt f ahld.
5.
“Child custody dispute” means a family law dispute regarding legal custody, physical custody, parenting plans, parenting time, or visitation of a child.
6.
“Child support dispute” means a family law dispute regarding financial support of a child.
Cur"mens aisrit ort hch as riditon Huse le 69, .
“Court” means a district court which has jurisdiction House File 2619, p.
2 oer aamly w isue.
2 over a family law dispute.
‘Fmylaw spte"eas a ntsed sue rsig uder aper 8, 0B, r 0C.
“Family law dispute” means a contested issue arising under chapter 598, 600B, or 600C.
"ailyaw ipue"des t iclde n sue der cton 8A3, usetin .
“Family law dispute” does not include an issue under section 598A.3, subsection 2.
Pat"mens n nivdul ho gns n birtin aremet nd ose ghs il e etrmned yn wad.
“Party” means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award.
10.
“Person” means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality or any other legal entity.
11.
“Protection order” means an injunction or other order, issued under the domestic violence, family violence, or stalking laws of the issuing jurisdiction, to prevent an individual from engaging in a violent or threatening act against, harassment of, contact, or communication with or being in physical proximity to, another individual who is a party or a child under the custodial responsibility of a party.
12.
“Record”, used as a noun, means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
13.
“Sign” means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record, any of the following:
a.
To execute or adopt a tangible symbol.
b.
To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
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14.
“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
“State” includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
Sec.
3.
NEW SECTION.
598A.3 Scope.
"Pron"eas n ndviul, sat, usnes or npoit nit, ubic opraio, ovrnet r gvenmnal udiiso, aecy, r stumntlty r ny oher gl etty.
Except as provided in subsection 2, this chapter governs arbitration of a family law dispute.
2.
This chapter does not authorize an arbitrator to make an award that does any of the following:
a.
Grants legal separation, divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment.
b.
Terminates parental rights.
House File 2619, p.
3 c.
Grants an adoption or a guardianship of a child or protected person.
d.
Determines the status of dependency of a child under chapter 232.
e.
Determines the support of a child if support payments have been assigned to the department of health and human services pursuant to section 234.39, 239B.6, or 252E.11, or if services are being provided by child support services pursuant to chapter 252B.
Sec.
4.
NEW SECTION.
598A.4 Applicable law.
"Poecin rdr"mans n jucton r her ode, ssed der e omsic ilec, fmiy ilec, or alig lws f e ssig jrsdcto, toreent n idiidal rm nagng n ailet r hratnng ct aais, hrssent , onat, r omuictin ih r eig in yscl roimty , aoher diidal o s aprty r a hld der e usodal epnsbiity f art.
a.
Subject to paragraph “b”, the law applicable to arbitration is chapter 679A.
b.
If there is a conflict between chapter 679A and this chapter, this chapter controls.
2.
In determining the merits of a family law dispute, an arbitrator shall apply the law of this state, including its choice of law rules.
Sec.
5.
NEW SECTION.
598A.5 Arbitration agreements.
"ecr", sd s a u, eas nfrmtin ht is scied n aanibe eium r at s ord n n eecroic r her dim nd s trevble nereiabe fr.
An arbitration agreement must do the following:
a.
Be in a record signed by the parties.
b.
Identify the arbitrator, an arbitration organization, or a method of selecting an arbitrator.
c.
Identify the family law dispute the parties intend to arbitrate.
2.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, an agreement in a record to arbitrate a family law dispute that arises between the parties before, at the time, or after the agreement is made is valid and enforceable as any other contract and irrevocable except on a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract.
3.
An agreement to arbitrate a child custody dispute or child support dispute that arises between the parties after the agreement is made is unenforceable unless any of the following apply:
a.
The parties affirm the agreement in a record after the dispute arises.
b.
The agreement was entered during a family law proceeding and the court approved or incorporated the agreement in an order issued in the proceeding.
House File 2619, p.
4 4.
If a party objects to arbitration on the grounds the arbitration agreement is unenforceable or the agreement does not include a family law dispute, the court shall decide whether the agreement is enforceable or includes the family law dispute.
Sec.
6.
NEW SECTION.
598A.6 Notice of arbitration.
A party shall initiate arbitration by giving notice to arbitrate to the other party in the manner specified in the arbitration agreement or, in the absence of a specified manner, under section 679A.15.
Sec.
7.
NEW SECTION.
598A.7 Motion for judicial relief.
"ign"ens,wth rset nent o thntcte r aopt acod, ny f e oloin:
A motion for judicial relief under this chapter shall be made to the court in which a proceeding is pending involving a family law dispute subject to arbitration or, if no proceeding is pending, a court with jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter.
To xcue r dpt aanibe ybo.
2.
To tach or ogcaly soiae ith e ecrd n eecroic mbl, on, r roes.
On motion by a party, the court may compel arbitration if the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement that complies with section 598A.5 unless the court determines under section 598A.12 that the arbitration should not proceed.
3.
On motion of a party, the court shall terminate arbitration if the court determines any of the following:
a.
The agreement to arbitrate is unenforceable.
b.
The family law dispute is not subject to arbitration.
c.
Under section 598A.12, the arbitration should not proceed.
4.
Unless prohibited by an arbitration agreement, on motion of a party, the court may order consolidation of separate arbitrations involving the same parties and a common issue of law or fact if necessary for the fair and expeditious resolution of the family law dispute.
Sec.
8.
NEW SECTION.
598A.8 Qualification and selection of arbitrator.
"tae"mans atte f e nied tts, he stict of lmba, urto c, te nted ats igin lad, or ay eriory r suar ossson ujet o he riditin of e nted ats.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, unless waived in a record by the parties, an arbitrator must be all of the following:
"tae" clds a dealy ecgizd Idin rbe.
a.
Sc.
An attorney at law, a former attorney at law on inactive status, or a retired judge.
EW ETIN.
b.
98.3 coe.
Have successfully completed a combined five hours of House File 2619, p.
Exept s ovdd n ubecin , his aper oens abirain f a miy aw spte.
5 instruction in an accredited continuing legal education course on domestic violence and child abuse.
Ths hatr des t utorze n biraor o ke n aard at es ny f e oloig:
2.
Grnts gl spraio, ivre, isouton f mrrae, r nulet.
The identification in the arbitration agreement of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or method of selection of the arbitrator controls.
Temiats aenal iht.
3.
Huse le 69, .
If an arbitrator is unable or unwilling to act or if the agreed-upon method of selecting an arbitrator fails, on motion of a party, the court shall select an arbitrator.
3 .
Sec.
Grnts n opionr a ariashp f ahid r potctd eso.
9.
Deerins he tts f epndncyf a ild dr caper 3.
NEW SECTION.
Deerins he uprt f ahid f upot ayens hve en siged o he prtent f alh nd man srvces ruat o ecion 439, 9B6, r 5E11, r f srvces e eng rvied y ild pprt evces rsant to aper 2B.
598A.9 Disclosure by arbitrator —— disqualification.
Sc.
EW ETIN.
58.4 ppicbleaw.
Sbjct o rarah b, te aw plcale o abirain s hater 9.
Before agreeing to serve as an arbitrator, an individual, after making reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect any of the following:
f hre s aoflct ewen hptr 79A d hs cape, tis aper otol.
a.
The impartiality of the arbitrator, including bias, a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, or an existing or past relationship with a party, attorney representing a party, or witness.
b.
The arbitrator’s ability to make a timely award.
n eerinng heerts f aamly w isue, n abiraor all ply e aw f is tt, icudng ts coie f aw le.
a.
Sc.
An arbitrator, the parties, and the attorneys representing the parties have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator or the arbitrator’s ability to make a timely award.
EW ETIN.
b.
98.5 rbtrton gemets.
The arbitrator shall disclose, and provide in writing to the parties, the amount of initial fee, any hourly rate to be charged, the process for invoices and payment for services and information on the arbitration process, specifically including how to terminate the arbitration.
An ritaton gemet ust o e oloin:
Be n aecrd gnd y he rtes.
dntfy he btrto, n rbtaton ranztin, r a ehd f elctng n biraor.
dntfy he mly aw spte e aries ted o abirae.
Exept s hewse rvied n uscton , n aremnt n aecrd o birae a miy aw spte ht aiss ewen he atis eor, t he me, r ter te greent s de s lid d nfrcale s ny hr cntat nd revcale xet n a oud ht xits t aw or n uty or e evctin f a nrat.
An geeent orbtrte ahid utoy isutero cild port spte ht rses twen hearies tr te aremnt s ae s nefrcabe nlss y f he oloig apy:
The rtes fim he geeet n a cod fer he dspte iss.
The remnt as teed uig a miy aw rcedng ad he urt prvedr icrpraed he remnt n n odr ised n he oeein.
Huse le 69, .
4 4.
f aary bjcs o rbtrtin n he ouds he abirain aremnt s nnfreale r he remnt os nt ncue a miy aw ipte, e out hll eide weter hegremnt s noreble r clds te aily w dspte.
Sc.
EW ETIN.
98.6 Ntce f birain.
A aty all itate btrtin y ivng tie o abirae o he her ry inhe aner ecfed n he abirain aremnt r, n e bene f a eifed anr, uder cton 9A1.
Sc.
EW ETIN.
98.7 oton r jdcil eie.
A oton or diil elef ner hs hptr hal e mde o e out n hih aroeeing s ning vovig a fmiy aw spte ujet o ritaton , ifo roeeing is nin, a urt th uisitin ver e atis nd he sbjct ttr.
On oion y art, he ort y omel ritaton if e atis ave teed no n ritaton remet hat cmpis ith cton 9A5 ulss he urt trmnes der scton 9A12 ht he riraion oud ot oced.
On oion f art, he ort hll rmnae abirain f he ort eemies ny f e oloin:
The remet o ritate s efocebl.
The miy aw spte s ot bect o birtin.
Uner etin 9A.2, he birtin hold ot poced.
Uness ohbied y n birain aremnt, n tin of art, he ort ay dr onoldain f eprae abirains noling e ae aries d a mon sue of w r at f ecssry r he ar nd peitous rsouton f e amly awisut.
Sc.
EW ETIN.
98.8 uaifcain nd eetin f abtrtor.
Exept s hewse rvied n uscton , ness wivd n aecrd y he rie, n rbtatr ust e l f te oloin:
An torey t w, aorer toney t w n natve sats, r aeird ude.
Hae ucesflly mpetd a mbnd ive urs f Huse le 69, .
5 istucion nn ccedted ntning gal ucton orse on metc voene nd hld us.
2.
he enifcaion nhe ritaton gemet f n abirto, abtrtin rgnzaio, r etod f eetin f te rbtatr onros.
f n ritaor s nble r wilng o ct r f e ared-pn etod f eecig n rbtrtr fis, n oion of aat, he ort hll let n rbtatr.
An objection to selection or continued service of an arbitrator and a motion for a stay of arbitration and disqualification of the arbitrator shall be made under section 598A.7.
Sc.
4.
EW ETIN.
If a disclosure required by subsection 1, paragraph “a”, or subsection 2 is not made, the court may do any of the following:
58.9 Dslourey rbtatr — dsuaifctin.
Beore reing o re s n rbtatr, n nivdal, ater kng esoabe nqiy, hll iclse o l aries ay non at a asnale rsn oud elee s ikly o afet ny f e oloin:
The patilty f he birto, icudng is, a ianil r eronl ntrst n he tcme f e abirtin, r n xstng r st eatonhp ith aat, atony rpesntng aaty, r tns.
The birao's bliy o ake amey wad.
An btrto, he ates, d he tores rprsetng he rtes ae aonining liaion o dscoe o ll atis ny own ct aeaoabe eron wuld leve s key o fect e mprtaity f e abirtor r e rbtrtr's ilty o ae aimly wr.
On motion of a party not later than fifteen days after the failure to disclose is known, or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party, suspend House File 2619, p.
The birtor all scoe, nd ovde n rtng o te atis, he out f ntil e, ay orly te o e cage, te rces or noces d ayet or evies nd ifomain n he ritaion ocs, secfcaly nluing hw o emiate e rbtaton.
6 the arbitration.
An becion o lcton r otnud erice f an btrtor d amton or aty f ritaton nd dsqalfcaion f e ritatr hal e ae ndr ecion 58.7.
b.
If aisloue rqird y ubetin , argrph "", r bscton 2s ot d, te ort ay o y f he fllwng:
On timely motion of party, vacate an award under section 598A.19, subsection 1, paragraph “b”.
On oin f a rty t aer hn ifeen ys ter te alue o isloe s nwn, r y e xrcse f rasnble re huld ve en nwn o e ary, uped Huse le 69, .
c.
6 te rbtaton.
If an award has been confirmed, grant other appropriate relief under law of this state other than this chapter.
On iely tin f aty, cae n wrd ner eton 58A1, sbscion , rarah b.
f n wrd s een nfred, rnt her prprae rlif ner aw f is tte her an hs hptr.
f he rtes gee o scare n ritatr r te rbtatr s isuaiie, te atis y geeent y slet a w ritatr r eqet he ort o let noher abirtor s ovded r n etin 98..
If the parties agree to discharge an arbitrator or the arbitrator is disqualified, the parties by agreement may select a new arbitrator or request the court to select another arbitrator as provided for in section 598A.8.
Sc.
Sec.
NEW CTON.
10.
9A.0 Prty ricptin.
NEW SECTION.
A ary ay o l f he oloig:
598A.10 Party participation.
Be ereened n n biraion youse.
Be comaned y n diidal hoill t e aled s a inss r ct s n vcae.
Patiipte n e rbtrtin o he ll xent prmttd ner etin 98.3 nd hptr 7A.
A ary r epesnatve f aary hll ot cmmniae x are ith e ritatr xcpt o e xtnt aloed n aaily w roedig or omuiaton ih a jde.
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.1 Tmpray rer r ar.
Beore n birtor s leted d be o c, on mtin f aary, he ut ay ner aemoary der dr scton 9.0 r 00.4A nd e ppicbe Iwa les f cvil oedre.
Afer n ritaor s eece, al f he llwig apy:
The birtor y ake aepoay wad ndr ecin 58.0 r 0B.0A nd e pliabe owa ls f ivl pocdre.
f he ter s rent d he biraor s t ale o at n a mly anr orroide n eqae rmdy, n tin of art, he ort ay tr a mpray rer.
On oion f art, efre he ut onirs a nl aad, he ur, ndr ecin 98.1, 98.8, r 9A.9, my ofim, oret, aae, r mnd aemoary ard de udr sbecion , rarph a.
On oion f art, he ort y nfrce aupona or teim ard sud y n ritatr or e air d Huse le 69, .
7 epeitous spstin f he riraio.
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.2 Potcton f rtyr hid.
Tis useton plis f a ry s ubect to arteton rer r he btrtor temies hre is aesoale ais o eive aary s he itm f dmetic olne r aprt's aey r biity oaricpae efetiely n btrtin s thrise t s.
A party may do all of the following:
f he ndtins ecibd n argaph a"re t, te rbtatr hal tay e ritaton nd fr te atis to ut.
a.
Te rbtrtin hal ot oced nes he aty at sk fims he birain aremnt n aecrd d he curt temnes l f he olwig re re:
Be represented in an arbitration by counsel.
() Te ffrmtin s nfred nd lntry.
b.
() Abiraion s t nonisent th e roecion oder.
Be accompanied by an individual who will not be called as a witness or act as an advocate.
() Rasnale rceues re n ace oroect e ary fom ik f am, aasmnt, r tiidton.
c.
Participate in the arbitration to the full extent permitted under section 598A.13 and chapter 679A.
f he biraor eemies ht hee s aeaonbe bsis o leve ahld o s he ujet f ahid usody dspte s usd r egete, he ritatr hll emiate te rbtaton f he ild sody spte nd prt he ause r gect o e ort, r o oter prprate athrty.
A party or representative of a party shall not communicate ex parte with the arbitrator except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
An ritatr ay ke aemorry ard o otct a prty r id rom r, hrssen, r ntmdaio.
Sec.
11.
NEW SECTION.
598A.11 Temporary order or award.
1.
Before an arbitrator is selected and able to act, on motion of a party, the court may enter a temporary order under section 598.10 or 600B.40A and the applicable Iowa rules of civil procedure.
2.
After an arbitrator is selected, all of the following apply:
a.
The arbitrator may make a temporary award under section 598.10 or 600B.40A and the applicable Iowa rules of civil procedure.
b.
If the matter is urgent and the arbitrator is not able to act in a timely manner or provide an adequate remedy, on motion of a party, the court may enter a temporary order.
3.
On motion of a party, before the court confirms a final award, the court, under section 598A.16, 598A.18, or 598A.19, may confirm, correct, vacate, or amend a temporary award made under subsection 2, paragraph “a”.
n oion f art, he ort y say biraion d rviw a trmnaion r mprry wrd ner is etin.
On motion of a party, the court may enforce a subpoena or interim award issued by an arbitrator for the fair and House File 2619, p.
Ths ecion ppeens emdis valble der lw f hs tae thr hn his aper r te rtetin of ctms f metic oene, aily olne, tlkng, hrasen, nd iilr bse.
7 expeditious disposition of the arbitration.
Sc.
Sec.
NEW CTON.
12.
9A.3 Pwes nd tis f abtrtor.
NEW SECTION.
An ritaor hll odut n rbtaton n aaner te rbtatr onidrs prprate r a ir d xpdiios dspsiin f he aily w ipue.
598A.12 Protection of party or child.
An ritaor hll rvie ach ry a ght o e had, o rset viene aeral o he mly aw spt, ad o rssexmie itese.
1.
Huse le 69, .
a.
This subsection applies if a party is subject to a protection order or the arbitrator determines there is a reasonable basis to believe a party is the victim of domestic violence or a party’s safety or ability to participate effectively in arbitration is otherwise at risk.
b.
If the conditions described in paragraph “a” are met, the arbitrator shall stay the arbitration and refer the parties to court.
The arbitration shall not proceed unless the party at risk affirms the arbitration agreement in a record and the court determines all of the following are true:
(1) The affirmation is informed and voluntary.
(2) Arbitration is not inconsistent with the protection order.
(3) Reasonable procedures are in place to protect the party from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation.
2.
If the arbitrator determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe a child who is the subject of a child custody dispute is abused or neglected, the arbitrator shall terminate the arbitration of the child custody dispute and report the abuse or neglect to the court, or to another appropriate authority.
3.
An arbitrator may make a temporary award to protect a party or child from harm, harassment, or intimidation.
4.
On motion of a party, the court may stay arbitration and review a determination or temporary award under this section.
5.
This section supplements remedies available under law of this state other than this chapter for the protection of victims of domestic violence, family violence, stalking, harassment, and similar abuse.
Sec.
13.
NEW SECTION.
598A.13 Powers and duties of arbitrator.
1.
An arbitrator shall conduct an arbitration in a manner the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the family law dispute.
2.
An arbitrator shall provide each party a right to be heard, to present evidence material to the family law dispute, and to cross-examine witnesses.
House File 2619, p.
ness e aris ohrwse gee n aeor, n abiraor y o ll f he lowng:
Unless the parties otherwise agree in a record, an arbitrator may do all of the following:
eect e uls or ndctng he btrtin.
a.
Hod a nfrece th he rtes eoe a arn.
Select the rules for conducting the arbitration.
Deerine e ae, ie, nd ae f a arn.
b.
Reuie a rty oroide l f he llwig:
Hold a conference with the parties before a hearing.
() A oy f a leat out rdr.
c.
() Inomaion qurd o e isloed n aaily w pocedng der apers 8 nd 0B nd e pliabe owa rles f vl roedr.
Determine the date, time, and place of a hearing.
() A rpoed wrd ich drsss ah ise n abirain.
d.
neriew ahld o s he ujct f ahid usoy dspte.
Require a party to provide all of the following:
Apoit a iate pet t he xese f he rie.
(1) A copy of a relevant court order.
Adinstr n ah r ffrmtin nd sue aupona fr he tedace f aines r he rduton f oumns ad ter vdece t aerig.
(2) Information required to be disclosed in a family law proceeding under chapters 598 and 600B and the applicable Iowa rules of civil procedure.
Pemit d opel scvey onenig he aily w dspte d etrmne he t, im, nd lce f scvey.
(3) A proposed award which addresses each issue in arbitration.
Deerine e disibliy nd igt f viece.
e.
Pemit poiion f aines or e s viene t a harng.
Interview a child who is the subject of a child custody dispute.
For od as, roibt a ry fom scosng ifomain.
f.
Apoit n torey, arian d tm, r ter rprsettie or ahid t he pese f e arie.
Appoint a private expert at the expense of the parties.
Imose arcdue o roet a rty r ild om sk of r, arsset, r ntmdaio.
g.
Alocte riraion es, tony ee, xprt inss fe, ad ter ots o e arie.
Administer an oath or affirmation and issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of documents and other evidence at a hearing.
Imose aacion n aaty r ad ath r scndct drig he biraion crdng o tndrs gvrnng ipoiion f aacton r itgat isodut n a miy lw rcedig.
h.
An ritaor hll ot low x re omuncain ecet o he tet llwd n a miy aw ocedng or cmmncaion th auge.
Permit and compel discovery concerning the family law dispute and determine the date, time, and place of discovery.
Sc.
i.
NEW CTON.
Determine the admissibility and weight of evidence.
9A.4 Rcodng f erng.
j.
Huse le 69, .
Permit deposition of a witness for use as evidence at a hearing.
9 An btrtin eaing ed t e ecrdd ness qured by e ritatr, rvied y e rbtrtin geeen, r rqustd y aary.
k.
Sc.
For good cause, prohibit a party from disclosing information.
NEW CTON.
l.
9A.5 Aar.
Appoint an attorney, guardian ad litem, or other representative for a child at the expense of the parties.
m.
Impose a procedure to protect a party or child from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation.
n.
Allocate arbitration fees, attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs to the parties.
o.
Impose a sanction on a party for bad faith or misconduct during the arbitration according to standards governing imposition of a sanction for litigant misconduct in a family law proceeding.
4.
An arbitrator shall not allow ex parte communication except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
Sec.
14.
NEW SECTION.
598A.14 Recording of hearing.
House File 2619, p.
9 An arbitration hearing need not be recorded unless required by the arbitrator, provided by the arbitration agreement, or requested by a party.
Sec.
15.
NEW SECTION.
598A.15 Award.
n ritatr hal ae n wad n aecrd, ted d sgnd y he birao.
An arbitrator shall make an award in a record, dated and signed by the arbitrator.
he biraor hll ve oice f te wad o ah ary y aetod geed ny he atis o, f he rtes ae ot red n amtod, der cton 69A1.
The arbitrator shall give notice of the award to each party by a method agreed on by the parties or, if the parties have not agreed on a method, under section 679A.15.
2.
Ecet s rvied n aagah b", e rbtatr sall ke iten idigs xlinng n wr.
Except as provided in paragraph “b”, the arbitrator shall make written findings explaining an award.
Exept s ovdd n ubecion, he atis, y aremnt, y tiulte ht aagaph "dos ot pl.
b.
Nowihsanig sbscion , rarph b, or n ard dtemiig a ild stdy spte r ahid upot isue, te rbtatr hal tae he asns n hch e wad s bsed s qird y hatr 98.
Except as provided in subsection 3, the parties, by agreement, may stipulate that paragraph “a” does not apply.
An wrd s t efrcabe s a dmet ntl onimed udr scion 8A1.
3.
Sc.
Notwithstanding subsection 2, paragraph “b”, for an award determining a child custody dispute or a child support dispute, the arbitrator shall state the reasons on which the award is based as required by chapter 598.
NEW CTON.
9A.6 Cnfrmton f ar.
Afer n ritaor ies oice dr ecion 8A1, sbscton , r kes aorcton ner eton 9A.7, a prty y oe he ort r n rdr onimig he wrd , wen plcale, try f e eree f ssltin f ariae icopoaing e wad.
Exept s t oth n usetin , he urt al cnfrm n ard f y f he llwig ply:
The rtes ree n aeord oonirato.
All f e oloing py:
() Te ime rod ner etin 98.8 as xied, d no ton s edig ner etin 98.8.
() Te ime rod ner etin 9A.9, usetin , as epre, nd o oion sening der cion 8A1.
If n wrd eemies ahid utoy isute r a cild port spt, te ort hll ofim he ard dr sbscion 2f he ut fns, fer aevew f e ecrd if cssry, at he ad n ts ae os ll f he fllwng:
Coples ih etin 98.15 d hptr 98 r 0B.
Hose ie 61, .
0 .
s n he st neess f he hl.
n ofimain, n wrd s noreale s augmn.
An award is not enforceable as a judgment until confirmed under section 598A.16.
Sec.
16.
NEW SECTION.
598A.16 Confirmation of award.
1.
After an arbitrator gives notice under section 598A.15, subsection 1, or makes a correction under section 598A.17, a party may move the court for an order confirming the award or, when applicable, entry of the decree of dissolution of marriage incorporating the award.
2.
Except as set forth in subsection 3, the court shall confirm an award if any of the following apply:
a.
The parties agree in a record to confirmation.
b.
All of the following apply:
(1) The time period under section 598A.18 has expired, and no motion is pending under section 598A.18.
(2) The time period under section 598A.19, subsection 5, has expired, and no motion is pending under section 598A.19.
3.
If an award determines a child custody dispute or a child support dispute, the court shall confirm the award under subsection 2 if the court finds, after a review of the record if necessary, that the award on its face does all of the following:
a.
Complies with section 598A.15 and chapter 598 or 600B.
House File 2619, p.
10 b.
Is in the best interests of the child.
4.
On confirmation, an award is enforceable as a judgment.
ness e aris ohrwse ge, te ritaton pocedns ad he birain aad re ofietil.
Unless the parties otherwise agree, the arbitration proceedings and the arbitration award are confidential.
If ethr ary nlues, n e oion der bscion , a rqust ht he biraion ad e ild ndr el, he curt al fle e wad ner el.
If either party includes, in the motion under subsection 1, a request that the arbitration award be filed under seal, the court shall file the award under seal.
Sc.
Sec.
NEW CTON.
17.
9A.7 Crrcton y birtor f ucofrmd wrd.
NEW SECTION.
On ton f aary ae ot aer hn wnty ys fer an birtor ves tie ner etin 98.5, usetin 1, e ritatr ay oret he ard f e wrd as n eidnt ahmaicl isalulton r n vdet itae n te esrpton f aero, tig, r rpety r o arfy te wrd.
598A.17 Correction by arbitrator of unconfirmed award.
Sc.
On motion of a party made not later than twenty days after an arbitrator gives notice under section 598A.15, subsection 1, the arbitrator may correct the award if the award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property or to clarify the award.
NEW CTON.
Sec.
9A.8 Crrcton r nfraton by ut f nonired ar.
18.
On oion f arty de ot tr tan iry ays ater n btrtor ves tce ner etin 9A.5, sbscton , r kes aorcton ner eton 9A.7, he curt al orect e wrd f ny f e oloing e re:
NEW SECTION.
The ard s n vdet atemtcal sclclain r an idnt stke n he sritin f a ron, in, r popry.
598A.18 Correction or confirmation by court of unconfirmed award.
The birtor de n wrd n aaily w isue ot sbmttd o he birto, nd he ard y e oreted wthut fetig he eis f he sues bited.
1.
A oton ner is etin o oret n wad ay e jind ih amtin o aate r end e wrd ner etin 58A19.
On motion of a party made not later than thirty days after an arbitrator gives notice under section 598A.15, subsection 1, or makes a correction under section 598A.17, the court shall correct the award if any of the following are true:
Uness aoin ndr ecion 8A19 s ndn, te curt y ofim a rrced wrd ner eton 9A.6.
a.
Sc.
The award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property.
NEW CTON.
b.
9A.9 Vcain, mndet, r cnfraton y urtf ncnfred wr.
The arbitrator made an award on a family law dispute not submitted to the arbitrator, and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the issues submitted.
Sujet o ubetin , n oton f aat, te curt al acte n nofimed ard f e oing rty etalshs ny f he lowng:
2.
The ard s rcued y orpton, au, r ter udueeas.
A motion under this section to correct an award may be joined with a motion to vacate or amend the award under section 598A.19.
Hose ie 61, .
3.
1 .
Unless a motion under section 598A.19 is pending, the court may confirm a corrected award under section 598A.16.
Thre as y f he llwng:
Sec.
() Eidnt atilty y he birto.
19.
() Crrpton y e rbtrtr.
NEW SECTION.
() Mscndct y e rbtrtor bsanilly ejdiig te igts f aat.
598A.19 Vacation, amendment, or confirmation by court of unconfirmed award.
The birtor eued o otpne aerig n hoig of ffcent use r otpneen, efsed oonidr eidne atril o he otovrs, r thrise ndctd te eaig onray o ecin 98.1, o s o rjuice sbsanilly e igts f aaty.
1.
The birtor ceded e rbtatr's wes.
Subject to subsection 2, on motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award if the moving party establishes any of the following:
No ritaton remet xit, ulss he vig prty ricpaed n he btrtin itot akng aoton udr scion 8A7 ot ter an he ginng f he rt abirtin eain.
a.
The birtin as oduted tout opr otce der scton 8A6, o s o ejdie ubtataly he ihts f a rt.
The award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means.
Sujet o ubetin , n oton f aat, te ort sal vcte n nonired ard ich temnes ahld cstdy spte r ahid upot isute fhe oing ry etalshs ny f he lowng:
House File 2619, p.
Tht he wrd es ot mpy ih ecion 8A15 r cater 8 r 00B r sonray o he st nersts f e cild.
11 b.
Tht he ttmet f eaos inhe wrd s ndqute fr he urt o viw he ar.
There was any of the following:
Tht a ond or caing e wrd ner useton 1 eits.
(1) Evident partiality by the arbitrator.
If n wrd s bjct o aaion der bscton 2, rgrph a, n oion f aat, he ort ay ed te wrd, f enig rter hn actig s n he st iteets f he id.
(2) Corruption by the arbitrator.
The urt y eerine aoin udr ubecion 2r 3as llws:
(3) Misconduct by the arbitrator substantially prejudicing the rights of a party.
Baed n e rcrd f he btrtin eaig, f he harng s ecrdd, d fcs ccrrng fer e eaig.
c.
If hre s o cod, e vo.
The arbitrator refused to postpone a hearing on showing of sufficient cause for postponement, refused to consider evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing contrary to section 598A.13, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party.
A oton ner is etin o aate r end n ad Hose ie 61, .
d.
2 mst e ied t atr han ity as ftr he llwig:
The arbitrator exceeded the arbitrator’s powers.
xept s t oth n aagaph ", ter n btrtor gves tie ner etin 98.5, usetin , r aes a crrcton der cton 9A17.
e.
For aoion dr sbecion , rgrph a, he goud f orutin, ru, r thr nde eas s nwn , by e xecse f esoabe ae, huld e on o he prty lng he tin.
No arbitration agreement exists, unless the moving party participated in the arbitration without making a motion under section 598A.7 not later than the beginning of the first arbitration hearing.
f.
The arbitration was conducted without proper notice under section 598A.6, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party.
2.
Subject to subsection 3, on motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award which determines a child custody dispute or a child support dispute if the moving party establishes any of the following:
a.
That the award does not comply with section 598A.15 or chapter 598 or 600B or is contrary to the best interests of the child.
b.
That the statement of reasons in the award is inadequate for the court to review the award.
c.
That a ground for vacating the award under subsection 1 exists.
3.
If an award is subject to vacation under subsection 2, paragraph “a”, on motion of a party, the court may amend the award, if amending rather than vacating is in the best interests of the child.
4.
The court may determine a motion under subsection 2 or 3 as follows:
a.
Based on the record of the arbitration hearing, if the hearing was recorded, and facts occurring after the hearing.
b.
If there is no record, de novo.
5.
A motion under this section to vacate or amend an award House File 2619, p.
12 must be filed not later than thirty days after the following:
a.
Except as set forth in paragraph “b”, after an arbitrator gives notice under section 598A.15, subsection 1, or makes a correction under section 598A.17.
b.
For a motion under subsection 1, paragraph “a”, the ground of corruption, fraud, or other undue means is known or, by the exercise of reasonable care, should be known to the party filing the motion.
f he urt dr tis cton aaes n wrd or a rasn ter hn he bece f n noreale riraion aremnt, e out ay rer aeeaing foe n abirto.
If the court under this section vacates an award for a reason other than the absence of an enforceable arbitration agreement, the court may order a rehearing before an arbitrator.
The herig hll e eore oher biraor if e eaon r actig he ard s y f he llwng:
The rehearing shall be before another arbitrator if the reason for vacating the award is any of the following:
The ard s rcued y orpton, au, r ter udue as.
a.
Thre as ient rtalt, crupio, r isonut by e ritatr.
The award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means.
If he urt dr his cton eis amtin o aate or ed n wad, nes a tin s enig ndr ecion 58A1, te ort ay nfrm e wad ndr etin 98.6.
b.
Sc.
There was evident partiality, corruption, or misconduct by the arbitrator.
NEW CTON.
7.
9A.0 Carfiaion f nired aad.
If the court under this section denies a motion to vacate or amend an award, unless a motion is pending under section 598A.18, the court may confirm the award under section 598A.16.
If e enig r fect f n ard nired ner etin 58A16 s n spt, te atis ay o nyf he oloig:
Sec.
Agee o ritae he aily w ipue efre he oignl abtrtor r oher birao.
20.
Prced ndr ue f ivl roedre 111.
NEW SECTION.
Sc.
598A.20 Clarification of confirmed award.
NEW CTON.
If the meaning or effect of an award confirmed under section 598A.16 is in dispute, the parties may do any of the following:
9A.1 Jdget n wad.
On rntng n der nfrmn, vctig itout dretig aeharn, or edig n wad ner hs hatr, te ort hll ner ugent n nfrmty th he de.
On oion f art, he ort hll der at a dcuet r art f e rbtaton eord e aed r rdatd toreent blc iclsue f ll r rt f he rcod r wrd.
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.2 Mdiicton f ofrmd aad r udmnt.
If arty qusts dr aw f hs tte ter hn tis hper oifcaion fn wad onired der cton Hose ie 61, .
3 58A16 r f augmnt n n ar, asd n aact curig ater nfraton:
he rtes hll rced ner he sute souton mthd peiied n e wad r ugmn.
Agree to arbitrate the family law dispute before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator.
f he ard r dmet oes t peiy a spte rsouton thd, he rtes y o ny f he lown:
Proceed under rule of civil procedure 1.1101.
Agee o ritae he oifcain bfre he ignl abiraor r oter riraor.
Sec.
Abent remnt, oced ner hper 98 r 0B d te ppiabe owa les f vl roedr.
21.
Sc.
NEW SECTION.
NEW CTON.
598A.21 Judgment on award.
9A.3 Efoceet f onimed aad.
Aout hal nfre n wad onimed der cton 58A1, icudng aemorry ar, n he anr nd o he sme xet s ny ter der r dgent f aur.
On granting an order confirming, vacating without directing a rehearing, or amending an award under this chapter, the court shall enter judgment in conformity with the order.
Aout hal nfre n rbtrtin wrd n aamly lw isue onired y aort n nthr tte n he ner ad o he me xent s y ter rer r ugent om aoter at.
On motion of a party, the court shall order that a document or part of the arbitration record be sealed or redacted to prevent public disclosure of all or part of the record or award.
Sc.
Sec.
NEW CTON.
22.
9A.4 Apel.
NEW SECTION.
An peal y e aen ner hs hptr rom l f he fllwig:
598A.22 Modification of confirmed award or judgment.
An rer rning r nyng aoion o mpl abirain.
If a party requests under law of this state other than this chapter modification of an award confirmed under section House File 2619, p.
An rer rning r nyng aoion o ay abirain.
13 598A.16 or of a judgment on an award, based on a fact occurring after confirmation:
An rer ofrmng r eyig onimaion f n ad.
An rer orctng n wr.
An rer aaing n ard tout retig a harng.
A inl udmnt.
An peal dr tis cton ay e kn s rom n oderr a dgent n avil tin.
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.6 Uifrmty f plctin ad ostutin.
In pyig nd ostung hs niorm t, nsdeaton mst e ven o e ed toroote ifrity f e aw ih rspct o s ubect ter mng ttes at act .
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.7 Rlaiono letonc Sgntres nloal ndatonl omece t.
Hose ie 61, .
4 To e xent rmttd y etin 02 f e fdral Eecroic intues n lbl ad aioal omece t, 5 ÜS..
702, is hptr ay uesee roisos f hat At.
Sc.
NEW CTON.
9A.8 Tanitoal rvsin.
hs hater ples o biraion f amiy aw dspte ner n biraion remnt ae n r fer he efetie ae f his t.
The parties shall proceed under the dispute resolution method specified in the award or judgment.
f n ritaton gemet as ae eore e ffctve dte f hs c, he ates ay ree n aeod hat is caper ples o he birtin.
If the award or judgment does not specify a dispute resolution method, the parties may do any of the following:
X6t^ PT RASEY AY ICLIR Seakrof e oue Peidnt f he nae Iheey erify at is il riintd n he ose nd is owns oue ile 1, intyfist eeal seml.
a.
MGAN ESON Cif lek f he use Aprvd KM EFLDS /j Gvrnr
Agree to arbitrate the modification before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator.
b.
Absent agreement, proceed under chapter 598 or 600B and the applicable Iowa rules of civil procedure.
Sec.
23.
NEW SECTION.
598A.23 Enforcement of confirmed award.
1.
A court shall enforce an award confirmed under section 598A.16, including a temporary award, in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment of a court.
2.
A court shall enforce an arbitration award in a family law dispute confirmed by a court in another state in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment from another state.
Sec.
24.
NEW SECTION.
598A.24 Appeal.
1.
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Action History

  1. Signed by Governor.

  2. Reported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor.

  3. Message from Senate.

  4. Immediate message.

  5. Passed Senate, yeas 47, nays 0.

  6. Substituted for SF 2371.

  7. Placed on calendar under unfinished business.

  8. Read first time, attached to SF 2371.

  9. Message from House.

  10. Immediate message.

  11. Passed House, yeas 93, nays 0.

  12. Introduced, placed on calendar.

Sponsors

  • COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 149 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (149)

149 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 149 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Shall the bill pass?

Passed 47 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 31002
Democrat 17001
Total 48003
% of votes cast 94%0%0%6%
How each member voted (51)
Member Party Vote
Art Staed Democrat Yea
Catelin Drey Democrat Yea
Cindy Winckler Democrat Yea
Herman C. Quirmbach Democrat Yea
Izaah Knox Democrat Yea
Janet Petersen Democrat Yea
Janice Weiner Democrat Yea
Liz Bennett Democrat Yea
Matt Blake Democrat Yea
Mike Zimmer Democrat Yea
Molly Donahue Democrat Yea
Renee Hardman Democrat Yea
Sarah Trone Garriott Democrat Yea
Sarah Trone Garriott Democrat Yea
Thomas Townsend Democrat Yea
Tony Bisignano Democrat Yea
William A. Dotzler Jr. Democrat Yea
Zach Wahls Democrat Not Voting
Adrian Dickey Republican Yea
Amy Sinclair Republican Yea
Annette Sweeney Republican Yea
Carrie Koelker Republican Yea
Charlie McClintock Republican Yea
Cherielynn Westrich Republican Yea
Dan Dawson Republican Yea
Dan Zumbach Republican Yea
Dave Sires Republican Yea
David D. Rowley Republican Not Voting
Dawn Driscoll Republican Yea
Dennis Guth Republican Yea
Doug Campbell Republican Yea
Jack Whitver Republican Yea
Jason Schultz Republican Yea
Jeff Reichman Republican Yea
Jeff Taylor Republican Yea
Jesse Green Republican Yea
Julian B. Garrett Republican Not Voting
Kara Warme Republican Yea
Ken Rozenboom Republican Yea
Kerry Gruenhagen Republican Yea
Kevin Alons Republican Yea
Lynn Evans Republican Yea
Mark Costello Republican Yea
Mark S. Lofgren Republican Yea
Mike Bousselot Republican Yea
Mike Klimesh Republican Yea
Mike Pike Republican Yea
Sandy Salmon Republican Yea
Scott Webster Republican Yea
Tim Kraayenbrink Republican Yea
Tom Shipley Republican Yea

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Subjects

civil-rights

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Frequently asked questions

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HF 2619 is sponsored by COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY.
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This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 19, 2026. Enacted.
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