A bill for an act relating to magistrate qualifications.

HF 321 removes the requirement that Iowa magistrates must be licensed attorneys in the state. Instead, it directs county magistrate appointing commissions to prioritize applicants who are licensed attorneys when filling magistrate positions. This change effectively reverts to the qualification standard that was in place before 2009, when magistrates were not required to be attorneys but licensed attorneys received first consideration. The bill directly affects county commissions making magistrate appointments and potential applicants seeking magistrate roles.