Iowa Code § 144.2: Records and statistics.

The department shall install, maintain, and operate the system of vital statistics throughout the state. No system for the registration of births, deaths, fetal deaths, adoptions, marriages, dissolutions, and annulments, shall be maintained in the state or any of its political subdivisions other than the one provided for in this chapter. Suitable quarters shall be provided for the department by the executive council at the seat of government. The quarters shall be properly equipped for the permanent and safe preservation of all official records made and returned under this chapter.