# Iowa

The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council certifies officers and must revoke certification for a felony or for serious misconduct. Since 2023 the State has given officers court review of Brady-Giglio list placement, opened a reciprocity path for military police veterans and federal officers, raised the bar for disciplining civil-service officers, and in 2026 cut the annual bias-training mandate to de-escalation only. By rule, council final orders are public records, but no list of decertified officers is published.

Source: https://uscli.org/officer-certification-tracker/iowa

## At a glance

- **Certifying body:** Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council: 13 voting members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, plus 4 nonvoting legislators. The council certifies law enforcement officers, reserve peace officers, and jailers, and revokes or suspends officer and reserve certification under 80B.13A. The academy director writes the rules with council approval ([Iowa Code 80B.6, 80B.11, 80B.13](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/80B.pdf)).
- **Statute:** Iowa Code ch. 80B (academy, council, standards, revocation: 80B.11, 80B.11D to 80B.11H, 80B.13, 80B.13A); ch. 80F (peace officer bill of rights, including Brady-Giglio list procedures in 80F.1(24) and (25) and 80F.3); ch. 80D (reserve officers); ch. 400 (city civil service hiring and discipline). Rules: Iowa Admin. Code 501 (chs. 2, 3, 6, 8, and 2504 to 2506).
- **Minimum standards:** By rule, an officer must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18, hold a driver’s license, have no felony or moral-turpitude conviction, pass a fingerprint search of local, state, and national files, pass a physical test, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet vision and hearing standards. The officer must not have been decertified in another jurisdiction and must pass the required cognitive and psychological tests ([IAC 501-2.1, 2.2](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/10-15-2026.501.pdf)). By statute, an applicant “shall not be hired” if the tests show insufficient cognitive skills, personality, or suitability (80B.11(1)(g)). An officer certified by another state must file a sworn preliminary application before starting work. The council “shall deny” it for revocation elsewhere, a felony, a discharge for serious misconduct, or leaving while under investigation if the council determines the applicant engaged in serious misconduct (80B.11F).
- **Decertification:** Mandatory: the council “shall revoke” for a felony plea or conviction, discharge for serious misconduct, or leaving while a serious-misconduct investigation was pending if the council finds serious misconduct ([80B.13A(2) to (4)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/80B.pdf)). By rule, revocation is also mandatory for drug manufacture or sale, domestic-abuse convictions, and tier I to III sex offenses (IAC 501-6.2(1)). Discretionary: the council “may revoke or suspend” on rule grounds, including discharge for good cause and decertification in another state, or on the written recommendation of an employing agency or the attorney general. Agencies must report every termination within 10 days and say whether it involved serious misconduct.
- **Public decertification list:** No published list. 80B.13A(5) makes agency recommendations and notifications confidential except as required by council rule or by order of the council, an administrative law judge, or a reviewing court. By rule, council final orders, decisions, and opinions are public records, except information confidential under Iowa law ([IAC 501-2505.10(1)(f)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/10-15-2026.501.pdf), since June 30, 2026). Rule 501-7.13(2), still printed in the October 15, 2026 compilation, says administrative hearing and court filings in decertification files are public records.
- **National Decertification Index:** None found. Neither Iowa Code ch. 80B nor [IAC 501 (Oct. 15, 2026 compilation)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/10-15-2026.501.pdf) names the Index or IADLEST. Rule 2.1(12) bars hiring anyone decertified in another jurisdiction but names no database.
- **Continuing training:** By rule, at least 12 hours a year of in-service training, plus required topics: annual firearms qualification, NCIC certification, 1 hour of bloodborne pathogens, 1 hour of mental health, CPR, mandatory-reporter training, and 4 hours a year of “implicit bias/de-escalation” ([IAC 501-8.1](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/10-15-2026.501.pdf)). Since July 1, 2026, the statute requires annual training on de-escalation only (80B.11G, as amended by HF 2711). The rule has not been updated to match and still lists 4 hours a year of implicit bias/de-escalation training.

## Changes, 2023 to 2026

- Jul 1, 2026 — **Bias, racial-awareness, and civil-rights training mandates removed; annual de-escalation training kept** — HF 2711 (2026), secs. 14 to 16, striking Iowa Code 80B.11(1)(d) and amending 80B.11G · Signed June 2, 2026; effective July 1, 2026 — The act strikes the rule-making mandate for “expanded training regarding racial and cultural awareness and dealing with gang-affected youth” (80B.11(1)(d)). In 80B.11G, the annual training mandate now covers “de-escalation techniques” only; “and the prevention of bias” is struck. The guideline elements on diverse communities, biased-enforcement patterns, implicit bias, local constituency perspectives, and civil rights history are struck. Instruction on de-escalation, including verbal and physical tactics and nonlethal force, remains. The required consultation with the civil rights commission and advocacy groups is removed. The introduced bill would have repealed 80B.11G entirely; the enacted text amends it instead. — **For officers:** You still need de-escalation training every year. The rule still lists 4 hours of “implicit bias/de-escalation,” but the statute now requires de-escalation only. — [Enrolled HF 2711](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/HF2711.pdf)[2026 Code sections amended](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/statutory/acts/amended)
- Jul 1, 2026 — **Level II academy eligibility: a degree or the veteran or federal-officer criteria** — HF 2199 (2026), amending Iowa Code 80B.11D(3), (5), and (6) · Signed June 2, 2026; effective July 1, 2026 — An applicant for a level II academy must show a 2- or 4-year police science or criminal justice degree “or” meet the 80B.11H(1) or (3) veteran or federal-officer criteria. The 2025 text required the degree “and” those criteria. “Short course of study” in 80B.11D(5) and (6) becomes “level II academy training program.” The 18-month hiring deadline is kept. — **For officers:** A qualifying degree alone makes you eligible for the shorter level II academy. — [Enrolled HF 2199](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/HF2199.pdf)
- Jul 1, 2026 — **Last work date and severance of departing public employees become public** — HF 2490 (2026), adding Iowa Code 22.7(11)(a)(6) and (7) and 22.8A, and amending 22.3 · Signed May 15, 2026; effective July 1, 2026 — For any public employee who resigns or is discharged, two items become public records: the last date the person actually worked or performed essential functions, and the money and benefits paid beyond amounts owed for work performed, such as continued pay or severance. This applies whatever any written agreement says. The act covers all public employees, officers included. New 22.8A lets courts restrain “vexatious requesters.” — **For officers:** If you leave public employment, your last day worked and any severance can be released on request. — [Enrolled HF 2490](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/HF2490.pdf)
- Jun 30, 2026 — **New procedure rules: fitness standards not waivable, council final orders public** — Academy emergency rulemaking ARC 0370D (concurrent Notice ARC 0369D), adopting IAC 501 chs. 2504 to 2506 · Adopted by the council May 26, 2026; published IAB June 24, 2026; effective June 30, 2026 — The academy adopted its versions of the statewide uniform rules on agency procedure. Waivers are not available for four minimum standards: age, vision, hearing, and physical fitness. All council final orders, decisions, and opinions are public records, except information confidential under Iowa law (2505.10(1)(f)). Decertification files are listed as records that “may” contain some confidential information; that listing was moved from former rule 7.13(2) and is not new. The new text does not repeat 7.13(2)’s statement that hearing and court filings in decertification files are public. Contested-case hearings may be held by telephone or video only with the consent of all parties. A witness may testify remotely on 14 days’ notice. — **For officers:** A final council order in your case is a public record, and you can refuse a remote hearing. — [ARC 0370D](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/aco/arc/0370D.pdf)[IAC 501 (Oct. 15, 2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/10-15-2026.501.pdf)
- Jun 2, 2026 — **Brady-Giglio court review applies to past placements; officers who win get attorney fees** — HF 2797 (2026), amending Iowa Code 80F.1(25) · Signed June 2, 2026; effective on enactment; applies to placements and later proceedings on and after July 1, 2021 — An officer placed on a Brady-Giglio list has the 80F.1(25) court-review rights “regardless of when such placement, action, or decision occurred.” If the court rules for the officer, it “shall award” equitable relief and reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and costs on application. The state, or the municipality or county responsible for the prosecuting agency, pays. — **For officers:** You can challenge a list placement made since July 1, 2021, and recover fees if you win. — [Enrolled HF 2797](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/HF2797.pdf)
- Mar 25, 2026 — **Rules for the level II academy and reciprocity review** — Academy rulemaking ARC 0075D (Notice ARC 9638C), amending IAC 501-3.3 to 3.6 and 3.12 and adopting 3.9 · Adopted by the council January 15, 2026; published IAB February 18, 2026; effective March 25, 2026 — The long and short courses become level I (at least 620 hours) and level II (at least 400 hours) academies. Level II eligibility follows 80B.11D(3): at least 20 credit hours in police science or criminal justice, graded C- or better, with a degree awarded within 3 years, or council approval through reciprocity. Former routes in 3.4 for out-of-state training, military police, and FBI training were removed. New 3.9: the council compares training hours by functional area, and approved reciprocity applicants must pass the certification exam, an in-person skills week, and any retesting. — **For officers:** If you seek reciprocity, expect a certification exam and an in-person skills week. — [ARC 0075D](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/aco/arc/0075D.pdf)
- Aug 16, 2025 — **Civil-service discipline: just cause, proportionality, and exculpatory evidence** — SF 311 (2025), amending Iowa Code 400.1(1), 400.12A(3)(c), 400.18, 400.19, 400.23, 400.24, 400.26, and 400.27, and adding 400.22A · Signed May 19, 2025; effective August 16, 2025 (act sec. 12) — Civil-service employees, police officers included, may be removed, discharged, demoted, or suspended “only” with just cause, on a preponderance finding of a violation of law, city policy or rules, or unfitness. The old standard, “unsuitable or unfit in the judgment of” the appointing authority, was struck. The city must prove each charge and show the punishment is proportionate, using factors listed in 400.27. New 400.22A: no person may knowingly withhold exculpatory evidence from a charged employee. Officers as defined in 80F.1 may request records relevant to cause and proportionality. Commission decisions must be written, with findings. — **For officers:** In a civil-service city, discipline needs just cause and a proportionate penalty, and you may request the records behind it. — [Enrolled SF 311](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/SF311.pdf)[2025 Code sections amended](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/statutory/acts/amended?year=2025)
- Jul 1, 2025 — **Reciprocity path for military police veterans and former federal officers; level II eligibility narrowed** — 2025 Iowa Acts ch. 116 (HF 901), amending Iowa Code 80B.11D and adding 80B.11H · Signed May 27, 2025; effective July 1, 2025 — New 80B.11H: a veteran with at least 4 years of active duty who served as military police within 3 years of applying, completed equivalent accredited training, and was honorably discharged or still serves “may qualify for reciprocity” without attending the level I academy. So may a federal officer with 4 years of service within 3 years of applying and equivalent training. The council reviews applications, may route those not approved to a level II academy, and must publish an annual report on the program. In 80B.11D, subsection (1) now refers to a level II academy program. Subsection (3) now requires a degree from an academy-approved institution (the in-state limit was removed) and also the 80B.11H(1) and (3) criteria. That made level II harder to enter until HF 2199 reversed it in 2026. — **For officers:** Military police veterans and former federal officers may apply for certification without the full academy. — [2025 Iowa Acts ch. 116](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/acts/2025/CH0116.pdf)[Iowa Code ch. 80B](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/80B.pdf)
- Jul 1, 2024 — **Officers may petition a court over Brady-Giglio list placement** — 2024 Iowa Acts ch. 1121 (HF 2592), adding Iowa Code 80F.1(25) and 80F.3 · Signed May 1, 2024; effective July 1, 2024 — An officer may petition the district court, appeal, or intervene about a prosecuting agency’s decision to place the officer on a Brady-Giglio list. The court reviews the evidence in camera, may hold a closed hearing, and may affirm, modify, or reverse, including ordering removal from the list. Evidence stays under seal. New 80F.3 makes preponderance of the evidence the standard of proof under ch. 80F unless a higher standard is required. — **For officers:** You can ask a court to review a prosecutor’s decision to put you on a Brady-Giglio list. — [2024 Iowa Acts ch. 1121](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/acts/2024/CH1121.pdf)[Iowa Code ch. 80F](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/80F.pdf)
- Jul 1, 2024 — **Civil-service police applicants get a mental health evaluation after a conditional offer** — HF 2680 (2024), amending Iowa Code 400.8(1) · Signed May 3, 2024; effective July 1, 2024 — In civil-service cities, the physical examination “and mental health evaluation” of police officer applicants must follow the medical protocols of the municipal fire and police retirement system board, after a conditional offer of employment. The city pays for both. The reference to “police matron” was removed. — **For officers:** Civil-service police hires now include a mental health evaluation after the conditional offer. — [Enrolled HF 2680](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/90/HF2680.pdf)
- Jul 1, 2024 — **Civil-service exam carries over for certified officers moving between cities** — SF 2205 (2024), amending Iowa Code 400.8(2) and adding 400.12A · Signed April 10, 2024; effective July 1, 2024 — An applicant trained at the academy or an academy-certified facility, who passed a civil service exam when first hired as a certified officer, need not retake it when moving to, or adding, another Iowa agency within 180 days. The applicant must still pass the physical examination. New 400.12A lets a city council suspend, for up to one year at a time, the hiring practices in 400.11(1)(a). It does not excuse required examinations and tests. — **For officers:** A lateral move within 180 days does not require a new civil service exam, but you still take the physical. — [Enrolled SF 2205](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/90/SF2205.pdf)
- Jun 1, 2023 — **Brady-Giglio list rules made permanent; prosecutors must keep officer personnel files confidential** — 2023 Iowa Acts ch. 149 (HF 631), amending Iowa Code 80F.1(1)(a) and 80F.1(24) · Signed June 1, 2023; effective on enactment — The act removes the July 1, 2023 repeal date from the “Brady-Giglio list” definition and from subsection 24. Subsection 24 requires a prosecuting agency that keeps such a list to adopt a policy with notice, input, and reconsideration rights for officers. A new paragraph says a prosecuting agency “shall keep confidential and shall not release to the public” an officer’s personnel file, medical records, or statements and complaints protected under 80F.1(20). — **For officers:** Your notice and reconsideration rights for Brady-Giglio lists no longer expire. — [2023 Iowa Acts ch. 149](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/acts/2023/CH0149.pdf)
- Jan 18, 2023 — **Status forms due within 10 days; physician assistants may do the hiring exam** — Academy rulemaking ARC 6727C (Notice ARC 6545C), amending IAC 501-2.1(11), 3.2, 3.4(1), and others · Adopted November 10, 2022; published IAB December 14, 2022; effective January 18, 2023 — Agencies must file the status form within 10 days of a hiring, a change of status, or any termination of an officer or reserve officer. The deadline was 20 days. The rule already required a termination notice to say whether the officer was discharged for serious misconduct or left while discipline was pending; this filing only added “termination of.” A physician assistant may now perform the hiring physical. The short-course degree rule was reworded (at least 20 credit hours of police science or criminal justice). — **For officers:** Your agency must report your hiring or departure within 10 days. — [ARC 6727C](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/aco/arc/6727C.pdf)

## Not yet in force and pending

No enacted change in this area awaits its effective date. These bills of the 91st General Assembly were not enacted, and its 2026 session has adjourned: HF 937 (revocation or suspension of certification, passed the House 95-1 on March 26, 2025, then stopped in a Senate subcommittee); SF 2108 and HF 2233 (face coverings worn by peace officers, with penalties); HF 2587 (council membership); HF 2675 and SF 2194 (peace officer bill of rights); SF 65 (background investigations for certification); HF 921 and SF 362 (80F investigations and civil-service hearings); and HF 537 (academy annual training).

Iowa Acts chapters for the bills cited here by bill number: HF 2797 (2026 Acts ch. 1198), HF 2711 (ch. 1186), HF 2199 (ch. 1170), HF 2490 (ch. 1106), SF 311 (2025 Acts ch. 82), HF 2680 (2024 Acts ch. 1138), and SF 2205 (2024 Acts ch. 1014); dates come from the legislature’s bill histories.

## Checked and unchanged

- Iowa Code 80B.13A (mandatory and discretionary revocation, 10-day termination notice, confidentiality): no 2023–2026 amendment. IAC 501-6.2 (grounds): last amended in 2021.
- 2024 Iowa Acts ch. 1046 (HF 2603) changed only “certified in another state” to “certified by another state” in 80B.11F(3). The denial grounds date from 2020.
- 2023 Iowa Acts ch. 85 (SF 513) changed only the transportation seat on the council. 2024 Acts chs. 1170, 1156, and 1185 changed council meetings and funding. None alters certification standards.
- Use of force: Iowa Code 804.8 and ch. 704 show no 2023–2026 amendments.
- Not counted: HF 2163 (2024) replaced “communications officer” with “public safety telecommunicator” in the 80F.1 and 622.10 definitions of officer; 2026 SF 2280 (judicial-system safety) and HF 2787 (warrant resolution clinics); HF 25 (2025, crime while masked, aimed at offenders, not enacted).