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Bill > HF936
IA HF936
IA HF936A bill for an act relating to government bodies for purposes of open records, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 192.)
summary
Introduced
03/12/2025
03/12/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill amends the definition of “government body” in Code chapter 22 (open records) to include an instrumentality of a city or township, thereby subjecting such instrumentalities to open records requirements and associated civil penalties applicable to government bodies. By operation of law, the bill includes such instrumentalities as government bodies in, among other provisions, Code chapter 23 (public access to government information), Code section 543E.5 (exemption from provisions for real estate appraisal management companies), Code chapter 618 (publication and posting of notices), and Code section 721.1 (felonious misconduct in office). Under Code section 721.1, a public officer or employee who knowingly falsifies a writing, or knowingly delivers a falsified writing, with the knowledge that the writing is falsified and that the writing will become a public record of a government body, commits a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.
AI Summary
This bill expands the legal definition of a "government body" in Iowa's open records law to include instrumentalities of cities and townships. Specifically, the bill amends Section 22.1 of the Iowa Code by inserting language that explicitly adds "instrumentality of a city or township" to the existing list of entities considered government bodies. This change means that such instrumentalities will now be subject to the same open records requirements and potential civil penalties as other government entities. By broadening the definition, the bill increases transparency and accountability for city and township-related organizations, ensuring that their records can be accessed by the public under the same standards that apply to other government bodies. The expansion of this definition will impact various areas of law, including public access to government information, real estate appraisal management companies, public notice requirements, and provisions related to misconduct in public office. This change aims to promote greater governmental transparency and provide citizens with more comprehensive access to public information at the local government level.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Local Government (House)
Last Action
Read first time, attached to SF 503. S.J. 492. (on 03/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF936 |
| Fiscal Note - Public Records, Government Bodies | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/FN/1601885.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF936.html |
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