Opinion ID: 1668514
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Substantial Deprivation Issue.

Text: Under the postconviction relief procedures established in chapter 822, review of prison disciplinary proceedings may be taken in two situations. The first of these situations exists when [t]he person's reduction of sentence pursuant to sections 903A.1 through 903A.7 has been unlawfully forfeited.... Iowa Code § 822.2(6) (1993). The second situation exists when the particular discipline imposed, although not resulting in forfeiture of a sentence reduction under those statutes, otherwise results in a substantial deprivation of the applicant's liberty and property interests. See Davis, 345 N.W.2d at 99. The disciplinary violation involved in the present case was limited to a minor report and reprimand as a result of the applicant, a kitchen employee, being found at an improper location during a work break. Under the rules of the institution and Iowa statutory law, this disposition would in no way affect a prisoner's sentence imposed under the Iowa Criminal Code. This applicant asserts, however, that he is serving a sentence under the laws of Wyoming, and the finding of even this minor violation will affect his right to discretionary sentence reduction under the laws of that state. He urges that this will indeed work a substantial deprivation on his liberty interests. It is apparent that, even if applicant's contention concerning loss of sentence reduction in Wyoming is correct, that would not constitute forfeiture of a person's reduction of sentence pursuant to Iowa Code sections 903A.1 through 903A.7. It would occur, rather, pursuant to some law of the State of Wyoming. The applicant thus does not meet the qualifications for postconviction review established in section 822.2(6). Moreover, in judging whether the discipline imposed works a substantial deprivation of liberty or property under Davis, it is apparent that any such deprivation will not occur from operation of Iowa law. We are convinced that the additional deprivations for which postconviction relief may be cognizable under Davis, 345 N.W.2d at 99, do not include the collateral consequences of sanctions imposed by Iowa authorities on prisoner's sentences in other states. Those are matters that do not fall within the responsibilities of Iowa prison authorities or judicial officers. They should therefore play no role in the classification of Iowa sanctions for purposes of eligibility for postconviction relief. The district court correctly declined to review the applicant's claims on the basis that they were insubstantial. AFFIRMED.