Opinion ID: 2035085
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Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Guiding Principles of Statutory Interpretation.

Text: When we interpret a statute, our primary goal is to ascertain the legislature's intent. State Pub. Defender v. Iowa Dist. Ct., 663 N.W.2d 413, 415 (Iowa 2003). To determine the legislature's intent, we first examine the language of the statute. Id, If the statutory language is plain and the meaning clear, we do not search for legislative intent beyond the express terms of the statute. Horsman v. Wahl, 551 N.W.2d 619, 620-21 (Iowa 1996). We seek a reasonable interpretation that will best effect the purpose of the statute and avoid an absurd result. IBP, Inc. v. Harker, 633 N.W.2d 322, 325 (Iowa 2001). Nonetheless, [w]e will not interpret a statute so as to render any part of it superfluous. Am. Legion v. Cedar Rapids Bd. of Review, 646 N.W.2d 433, 439 (Iowa 2002).