Iowa Code § 663.5: Inmates of state or federal institutions.

When the applicant is confined in a state or federal institution, other than a penal institution, the provisions of section 663.4 relating to the court to which or the judge to whom applications must be made are mandatory, and the convenience or preference of an attorney or witness or other person interested in the release of the applicant shall not be a sufficient reason to authorize a more remote court or judge to assume jurisdiction.