Iowa § 217.31 - 217.31 Action for damages.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 217.31 — 217.31 Action for damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 217.31. 217.31 Action for damages.
1. Any person may institute a civil action for damages under chapter 669 or to restrain the dissemination of confidential records set out in section 217.30, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, “c”, or “d”, in violation of that section, and any person, agency or governmental body proven to have disseminated or to have requested and received confidential records in violation of section 217.30, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, “c”, or “d”, shall be liable for actual damages and exemplary damages for each violation and shall be liable for court costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney fees incurred by the party bringing the action. In no case shall the award for damages be less than one hundred dollars. 2. Any reasonable grounds that a public employee has violated any provision of section 217.30 shall be grounds for immediate removal from access of any kind to confidential records or suspension from duty without pay. [C75, 77, 79, 81, §217.31] 2013 Acts, ch 90, §44; 2019 Acts, ch 125, §2 Thu Dec 11 18:59:23 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 217.31 (26, 0)
Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 217.31
What does Iowa Code § 217.31 cover?
Section 217.31 ("217.31 Action for damages.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Iowa § 217.31?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 217.31" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Iowa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.
How does Iowa § 217.31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.