Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 727.8 — Electronic and mechanical eavesdropping
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 727: Health, Safety, and Welfare, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 727.8
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. “Monitoring device” means a digital video or audio streaming or recording device that records, listens to, or otherwise intercepts video or audio communications in order to provide proof of or prevent criminal activity that is placed outside of a person’s dwelling or other structure that is not in a shared hallway and is on real property owned or leased by the person.
2. Any person, having no right or authority to do so, who taps into or connects a listening or recording device to any telephone or other communication wire, or who by any electronic or mechanical means listens to, records, or otherwise intercepts a conversation or communication of any kind, commits a serious misdemeanor.
3. This section does not apply to any of the following:
a. The recording by a sender or recipient of a message or one who is openly present and participating in or listening to a communication from recording such message or communication.
b. The use of any radio or television receiver to receive any communication transmitted by radio or wireless signal.
c. The use of a monitoring device.
Official sources
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This reference is informational and is not legal advice.