Opinion ID: 2208607
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Separate Redemption of Homestead.

Text: Prior to June 1, 1986, separate redemption of a distinct portion of land was allowed only when the land had been sold in parcels. See Iowa Code section 628.23 (1985). Under Iowa Code section 628.23, the Diers would be unable to separately redeem their homestead because the land was sold en masse. In 1986, however, the Iowa Legislature enacted chapter 1216 of the 1986 Acts, which has been codified at Iowa Code section 654.16 (1987). This new law allowed the court to determine the fair market value of the homestead if it was not sold separately, provided the mortgagor had designated to the court the portion of land claimed as a homestead. The mortgagor could then redeem the homestead separately by tendering the fair market value of the homestead. The Diers claim that this new provision should be applied retroactively to their sale, allowing them to separately redeem their homestead. At the outset of our analysis, we note that a statute is presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made retrospective. Iowa Code § 4.5 (1987). Nevertheless, the question of retrospectivity is one of legislative intent. Barad v. Jefferson County, 178 N.W.2d 376, 378 (Iowa 1970); Schmitt v. Jenkins Truck Lines Inc., 260 Iowa 556, 560, 149 N.W.2d 789, 791 (1967). Where the legislature has clearly expressed its intent we do not resort to rules of statutory construction. Barad, 178 N.W.2d at 378; See also Koch v. Kostichek, 409 N.W.2d 680, 682 (Iowa 1987) (A clear and unambiguous statute is to be construed literally, without reference to aids to interpretation.). Here, the legislature provided, This Act applies to actions filed on or after the effective date of this Act. 1986 Iowa Acts. ch. 1216, § 13. The legislature went on to state, The Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect from and after its publication.... 1986 Iowa Acts ch. 1216, § 15. The secretary of state certified that the final date of the required publication for this act was May 31, 1986. See 1986 Iowa Acts ch. 1216, § 15. Therefore, this act becomes effective from and after May 31, 1986. The plain language of the statute requires that section 654.16 be applied prospectively. This interpretation is supported by the requirements of section 654.16, which require the mortgagors to designate the homestead to the court at least ten days prior to the sale. The legislature would not intend that a statute operate retrospectively when no one could comply with its terms. Furthermore, a statement by the legislature that a law is of immediate importance does not alter the effective date established by the legislature. See Barad, 178 N.W.2d at 378-79. In 1987, the legislature amended section 654.16 in an attempt to make this law retroactive. The retroactive application was struck down as an unconstitutional interference with private contractual relations. See Federal Land Bank v. Arnold, 426 N.W.2d 153, 161 (Iowa 1988). We find that the legislature has clearly expressed its intention that section 654.16 act prospectively from its publication. Iowa Code section 654.16 does not act retrospectively to provide the Diers the ability to separately redeem the homestead.