Webster argued the changes are needed to protect Capitol security and prevent misuse of public records requests to locate surveillance blind spots. He said the amendment was crafted in agreement with the Iowa Newspaper Association and Iowa Freedom of Information Council and does not restrict access to body camera footage.

But Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa FOI Council, disputed that claim and criticized both the process and the substance of the amendment.

“We are troubled both by the 11th hour nature of the amendment and by how it would carve out two more anti-transparency exemptions in the public records law,” Evans said. “No one wants to jeopardize the safety of government employees working in the Capitol. But no one’s safety would be in danger from the public having access to records showing who was inside the Capitol on a certain day.”

Evans emphasized that access logs and security video—released after the fact—pose no real-time threat and play a crucial role in accountability. “The newly adopted transparency exemption would deprive the public of independent video when protesters vandalize the interior or exterior of the Capitol or when Capitol police are accused of using excessive force against demonstrators,” he said.

Democratic lawmakers opposed the change. Sen. Janet Petersen said taxpayers have a right to access footage from a building they fund. Sen. Herman Quirmbach criticized the reliance on subpoenas to access footage, calling it a barrier for the public.

The measure is now awaiting Gov. Kim Reynolds signature as the state’s legislative session comes to an end on May 2.