4.1 Rules. In the construction of the statutes, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the general assembly, or repugnant to the context of the statute: 1. Appellate court. The term “appellate court” means and includes both the supreme court and the court of appeals. […]
4.10 Reenactment of statutes — continuation. A statute which is reenacted, revised or amended is intended to be a continuation of the prior statute and not a new enactment, so far as it is the same as the prior statute. [C73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §4.10]
4.11 Conflicting amendments to same statutes — interpretation. If amendments to the same statute are enacted at the same or different sessions of the general assembly, one amendment without reference to another, the amendments are to be harmonized, if possible, so that effect may be given to each. If the amendments are irreconcilable, the latest […]
4.12 Acts or statutes are severable. If any provision of an Act or statute or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act or statute which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end […]
4.13 General savings provision. 1. The reenactment, revision, amendment, or repeal of a statute does not affect any of the following: a. The prior operation of the statute or any prior action taken under the statute. b. Any validation, cure, right, privilege, obligation, or liability previously acquired, accrued, accorded, or incurred under the statute. c. […]
4.14 General rules of construction for English language laws. It is presumed that English language requirements in the public sector are consistent with the laws of Iowa and any ambiguity in the English language text of the laws of Iowa shall be resolved, in accordance with the ninth and tenth amendments of the Constitution of […]
4.2 Common law rule of construction. The rule of the common law, that statutes in derogation thereof are to be strictly construed, has no application to this Code. Its provisions and all proceedings under it shall be liberally construed with a view to promote its objects and assist the parties in obtaining justice. [C51, §2503; […]
4.3 References to other statutes. Any statute which adopts by reference the whole or a portion of another statute of this state shall be construed to include subsequent amendments of the statute or the portion thereof so adopted by reference unless a contrary intent is expressed. [C58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, […]
4.4 Presumption of enactment. In enacting a statute, it is presumed that: 1. Compliance with the Constitutions of the state and of the United States is intended. 2. The entire statute is intended to be effective. 3. A just and reasonable result is intended. 4. A result feasible of execution is intended. 5. Public interest […]
4.5 Prospective statutes. A statute is presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made retrospective. [C73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §4.5]
4.6 Ambiguous statutes — interpretation. If a statute is ambiguous, the court, in determining the intention of the legislature, may consider among other matters: 1. The object sought to be attained. 2. The circumstances under which the statute was enacted. 3. The legislative history. 4. The common law or former statutory provisions, including laws upon […]
4.7 Conflicts between general and special statutes. If a general provision conflicts with a special or local provision, they shall be construed, if possible, so that effect is given to both. If the conflict between the provisions is irreconcilable, the special or local provision prevails as an exception to the general provision. [C73, 75, 77, […]
4.8 Irreconcilable statutes. If statutes enacted at the same or different sessions of the legislature are irreconcilable, the statute latest in date of enactment by the general assembly prevails. If provisions of the same Act are irreconcilable, the provision listed last in the Act prevails. [C73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §4.8] See also §2B.13(1)(h)
4.9 Official copy prevails. If the language of the official copy of a statute conflicts with the language of any subsequent printing or reprinting of the statute, the language of the official copy prevails. [C73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §4.9]
