Rule 1.281(5) of these rules address settlement conferences and alternative dispute resolution. The rule states that unless parties have agreed to engage in ADR or are required to do so by either contract or by statute, courts may not by either order or local court rules require parties to engage in settlement conferences or ADR
Iowa Supreme Court Rules: Chapter 1 - Rules of Civil Procedure
Iowa Supreme Court. Dec. 1, 2018https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/ICRC/1.pdf