The Iowa Supreme Court issued two orders on April 8 regarding the Language Access in the Courts Advisory Committee, including new appointments and changes to reporting requirements for the committee.
The advisory committee, established in 2017 following a recommendation from the Iowa Access to Justice Commission, provides guidance on language access policies and supports the Iowa Judicial Branch’s Language Access Services Office. Its work is intended to help people with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to court services.
According to an April 2 order, the court clarified that the advisory committee will continue submitting a comprehensive annual report from the Language Access Services Office by June 1 each year. The report, which began in 2022, details data about interpreter usage and compensation, certification updates, trends over time, and major accomplishments. The committee may also provide additional recommendations or reports as needed.
In a separate order, new appointments and reappointments were announced for three-year terms starting October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. Hon. Ashley Sparks of Nevada was named co-chair; Hon. Jessica Noll of Sioux City and Sue Gudenkauf of Cascade were reappointed; Haley Huddleston of Iowa City; Toni Stevens of Des Moines; and Sandi Tibbetts Murphy of Iowa City (replacing Lorraine Gaynor) were appointed as members. The court also removed a requirement from its original order that mandated participation by the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation or their designee.
The Iowa Bar Association promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession according to its official website. It utilizes its headquarters in Des Moines for administrative operations and member events according to its official website. The association honors excellence through awards recognizing contributions to law practice and public service according to its official website. It serves more than 6,500 lawyers and judges licensed in Iowa according to its official website.
Additionally, it supports members serving clients as well as professional growth within legal practice according to its official website. Governance is handled by a board elected from judicial districts across Iowa according to its official website. As one of America’s oldest voluntary state bar associations serving over 6,500 professionals statewide while advancing justice through legislative support according to its official website.
These updates reflect ongoing efforts by both courts and related organizations such as the bar association toward improving language access services so all Iowans can effectively engage with judicial processes.
