The Iowa Public Information Board
COMES NOW, Charlotte Miller, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Dismissal Order:
On August 12, 2026, Joe Larison (“Complainant”) filed formal complaint 26FC:0221, alleging that Iowa Judicial Branch violated Iowa Code chapter 22.
Facts
Complainant made a records request of the Department of Public Safety for records related to all of the times a specific statute was used in 2025 to charge someone with a crime. DPS responded and stated that the records would be difficult to locate, but if Complainant wanted, he could request a quote from the vendor who was in possession of the records. DPS also stated that the Iowa Judicial Branch already tracks the information Complainant requested. Complainant took that and made a records request to the Iowa Judicial Branch for the records. After Complainant made the request of the Judicial Branch, he was quoted an estimated cost of $240 on July 6, 2026. On August 12, 2026, Complainant made the following complaint alleging an unreasonable fee for a Chapter 22 request against the Iowa Judicial Branch.
Applicable Law
“The board shall not have jurisdiction over the judicial or legislative branches of state government or any entity, officer, or employee of those branches, or over the governor or the office of the governor.” Iowa Code § 23.12
Analysis
While initially the request was made of the Department of Public Safety, the present complaint is against the Iowa Judicial Branch for imposing an allegedly unreasonable fee. Because IPIB does not have jurisdiction over the judicial branch, this complaint is outside of IPIB jurisdiction and should be dismissed.
Conclusion
Iowa Code § 23.8 requires that a complaint be within the IPIB’s jurisdiction, appear legally sufficient, and have merit before the IPIB accepts a complaint. Following a review of the allegations on their face, it is found that this complaint does not meet those requirements.
On facial review, the complaint is outside of IPIB jurisdiction.
IT IS SO ORDERED: Formal complaint 26FC:0221 is dismissed as not jurisdictional pursuant to Iowa Code § 23.8(2) and Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(2)(b).
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(3), the IPIB may “delegate acceptance or dismissal of a complaint to the executive director, subject to review by the board.” The IPIB will review this Order on September 17, 2026. Pursuant to IPIB rule 497-2.1(4), the parties will be notified in writing of its decision.
By the IPIB Executive Director
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Charlotte J.M. Miller, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on September 11, 2026, to:
Joe Larison