Davenport, Iowa – The Iowa House has overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at improving local government compliance with the state’s open meetings and open records laws. House File 2539, approved by 92 votes to 2 on February 22, would increase fines for members of a local government body who participated in an open meetings violation. The current range of fines, from $100 to $500, would be raised to a range of $500 to $2,500. Penalties would be even greater for those who “knowingly” participated in the violation, with fines between $5,000 and $12,500.
In addition to increased fines, the bill would require all elected or appointed public officials to complete a one- to two-hour training course on Iowa’s open meetings and open records laws. The training would need to be completed within 90 days of taking office.
Republican State Representative Brent Siegrist, who floor managed the bill, described it as a “good government bill.” He cited numerous violations of open meetings laws in Iowa each year, some due to a lack of understanding and others due to a blatant disregard of the law. Siegrist argued that the mandatory training would eliminate the defense of ignorance for local officials.
The bill would cost the state an estimated $104,000 to hire a new staff attorney for the Iowa Public Information Board. State Representative Michael Bergan, the top House appropriator for that area of state government, indicated that there is room in the budget to increase the board’s allocation.
Republican State Representative Gary Mohr introduced the bill and spoke about the need for it during the Iowa House debate. He mentioned the reluctance of Davenport city officials to provide information to the media following a building collapse in 2023 and the subsequent secret settlements with city employees. Mohr emphasized the importance of open public records and urged his colleagues to support the bill.
Two Republican State Representatives, Brian Lohse and Phil Thompson, cast the only two votes against House File 2539. Lohse agreed with the goal of the bill but found the training provisions to be “a bit too heavy-handed.” Thompson expressed concern about strict penalties imposed on small boards of supervisors and the lack of guidance from the Iowa Public Information Board.
The Iowa House may also consider another bill related to open records this year. House File 2299 would give local governments more flexibility in responding to open records requests. However, there are concerns about the bill, including the impact on Iowans without internet access. The Iowa Freedom of Information Council is registered against the bill.
Last year, the Iowa House approved two open records bills that did not receive any consideration in the Senate. House File 350 would codify language from an advisory opinion by the Iowa Public Information Board, while House File 333 would extend the time frame for filing a complaint over an open records or open meeting violation.