Just as Teddy Roosevelt and FDR created new government agencies as part of the Square Deal and the New Deal, so, too, will my administration create a couple new agencies, including the Civilian Restoration Corps™ (CRC) and the Public Intelligence Agency™ (PIA).

Purpose

The Public Intelligence Agency™ will demystify the law, simplify access to courts, integrate practical legal education into Iowa schools, expose public and private sector corruption, and defend the civil liberties of all Iowans. Through direct support, curriculum development, public records research, and watchdog actions, the PIA works to ensure every Iowan—not just the wealthy or well-connected—can access justice and participate meaningfully in self-governance.

I. Make Iowa’s Courts Accessible to Iowans

92% of low-income U.S. Citizens are unable to find legal assistance for civil matters. [1] Here in Iowa, the average Citizen earns $18.63/hr., while the average rate for a civil litigation lawyer in Iowa is $254/hr. [2] Through passing a new piece of legislation called the Justice Accessibility Act, the PIA will be able to perform the following tasks to ensure all Iowans may readily access the courts:

Simplify the Iowa Rules of Courtroom Procedure — We will transform the obscenely-complex 309 Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, 63 Rules of Evidence, and 89 Rules of Criminal Procedure into step-by-step instructions that makes navigating the courts much simpler for everyday Iowans. This work has already begun. READ MORE.

Organize Iowa Supreme Court opinions into a user-friendly database —The PIA will:

1.) Organize Iowa Supreme Court opinions by topic (property rulings, civil rights rulings, environmental, defamation, etc.),

2.) Provide a brief summary description for each case — similar to the Synopses as found on CaseBriefs. Instead of having to blindly click into unlabeled opinions, as is currently seen on the state’s website, each case will be organized by topic and have a brief summary of what was decided by the court,

3.) I will work with Iowa’s Legislature to enact laws which require Iowa’s Judicial Branch to implement make their database accessible to Iowans in this way, or, in the alternative — if we can’t get the Judicial Branch to comply, the executive branch will post a publicly-accessible database to ensure Iowans have easy access to case rulings which impact their lives. 

Finish developing www.ReUniteTheStates.org as a State-Run Self-Help Website —  I spent about a decade transcribing and organizing legal term definitions throughout this page. The PIA will finish the job. The site will create multiple “skins” so that the user can find an aesthetically-pleasing look that best suits them (professional, colorblind mode, for kids, comics — whichever skin makes it more fun to learn a tedious topic).

Develop Curriculum to Teach jurisprudence in High Schools — Students will graduate knowing the difference between criminal and civil law. and basic step-by-step what to do if your rights are violated – including by an officer or government official (e.g. color of law crimes). Students should know how to create an effective contract, and other important aspects of law.  READ MORE.

II. Repair and Improve the Iowa Civil Rights Commission

As Governor, one of my top legal reform priorities will be to repair the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). Over the years, this vital agency designed to uphold Lincoln’s Legacy, has become gutted and reduced to a nearly powerless advisory body. My plan will not only specifies five key changes needed to make the ICRC work effectively. Furthermore, the PIA will serve to provide oversight by allowing impacted Iowans who are being turned away by a Commission refusing to do its job, to apply for an investigation. READ THE PLAN.

III. Additional Priorities

Responsible Gun Ownership Act aka “G.I. Joe Act”

Institutes a statewide in-school education program where Peace Officers and Veterans educate fifth graders about the importance of only using guns to protect themselves or others. Statements such as, “Veterans fought and died to protect the 2nd Amendment, and it is important to remember that sacrifice and remember that honor every time you even think about holding a gun.” It is important that we catch students at a young age before they learn about guns from video games and movies, and while still at an age where they look up to police officers as positive role models. Also requires prospective gun owners to pass a written test — much like a driver’s test — to ensure they know the law, how to properly store a gun so that kids don’t get ahold of it, and so on… READ MORE. 

The Watchdog Act — Repeals what Rob Sand called “the most pro-corruption bill in Iowa history”, SF-478. The bill effectively hamstrings the role of State Auditor and prevents them from being able to do their job. The Watchdog Act also mandates and amendment to the Iowa Constitution to prevent this type of pro-corruption bill from being passed in the future. Notice: Sondra Wilson firmly objects to Rob Sand’s bid for Iowa Governor… READ MORE.

Scammers Beware! Act — Makes it illegal for out-of-state callers to mask their phone number in order to attempt to spam, scam, and/or make unsolicited calls to Iowans. Institutes a number of provisions that will make phony businesses terrified at the thought of trying to scam an Iowan because the state will go after them!  READ MORE.

Offshore Accountability Act — Classifies stashing money in offshore accounts, or by other unscrupulous means (to avoid taxes), as theft. Such account owners shall have a grace period to report any and all offshore holdings in order to avoid fines. The PIA  tasks shall be to track down offshore accounts, assets, etc. which may be stashed to avoid taxes. When discovered, such property shall be taxed with fines imposed if they did not report such holdings prior to the opening of the investigations period… READ MORE.

Award damages to Citizens who are found “not guilty” in criminal cases

 Citizen should not have to file a claim or civil suit after being found not guilty in order to be reimbursed for their time and emotional pain and suffering. People who are falsely charged with a crime are put into a stressful situation, facing jail time, fines, and/or the social stigma of permanent charges to their criminal record. Their names are run in the newspaper’s arrest report, which can also hold a social stigma. When a Citizen is found not guilty, the State ought to provide a standard reimbursement for the time that was taken away from that person’s life, emotional distress they endured, and assumed harm to their reputation. Additionally, if they feel they are due more than what the state compensates them for, they ought to be notified exactly how they can file for additional damages (give them the form!).