Iowa Code § 2.3: Temporary organization.

At 10:00 a.m. on the second Monday in January of each odd-numbered year, the general assembly shall convene. The president of the senate, or in the president’s absence some person claiming to be a member, shall call the senate to order. If necessary, a temporary president shall be chosen from the persons claiming to be elected senators. Some person claiming to be elected a member of the house of representatives shall call the house to order. The persons present claiming to be elected to the senate shall choose a secretary, and those of the house of representatives, a clerk on a temporary basis.