Meetings

Iowa House Passes Bill to Strengthen Compliance with Open Meetings and Records Laws

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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 … Read more

Sioux City School Board Faces Violation of Iowa Open Meetings Laws: Judge’s Verdict Delivers Accountability for January 2022 Meeting

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Sioux City, Iowa – The Sioux City School Board has been found to have violated open meetings laws in Iowa during their meeting in January 2022, according to a judge’s ruling. The court determined that the board’s actions were in violation of state regulations regarding open and transparent proceedings. This ruling sheds light on the importance of adherence to regulations for public meetings. The violation occurred when the Sioux City School Board convened its meeting earlier this year. The court found that the board failed to provide adequate notice and public access to the meeting, … Read more

Judge Rules Nelson County Board of Education Violated Open Meetings Act and Orders Funding for District Facilities Plan

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BARDSTOWN, KY – In a recent lawsuit between NC Forward and the Nelson County Board of Education, Judge Mark A. Thurmond ruled that the board violated the Open Meetings Act. Acting as the special judge in the case, Thurmond also issued a temporary order to proceed with funding the current District Facilities Plan. The lawsuit, filed by NC Forward, highlights several new developments. Former board member Damon Jackey and former board attorney Eric Farris have resigned, and board member Tracy Bowling made a public statement about business conducted outside of public meetings. Matthew Hite, the … Read more