Iowa Code § 718A.2: Actions for penalty.

The action or suit may be brought by and in the name of the state, on the relation of a citizen of the state, and the penalty, when collected, less the reasonable cost and expense of action or suit and recovery, to be certified by the clerk of the district court of the county in which the offense is committed, shall be paid to the treasurer of state for deposit in the general fund of the state, and two or more penalties may be sued for and recovered in the same action or suit.