Iowa House representatives are moving forward with legislation that aims to increase training for local officials on open meetings and public record laws, and to raise penalties for open meeting violations

According to a report from Iowa Capital Dispatch, the passing of House File 706 marks the second year that the House attempts to address this issue. A similar bill passed in 2024 but was vetoed by Gov. Kim Reynolds due to concerns over a last-minute amendment altered the definition of a “meeting.” 

The new legislation increases the range of fines for open meetings violations from $100–$500 to $500–$2,500, and fines for knowing violations range would change from $1,000-$2,000 to $5,000-$12,500. The bill also mandates the removal of government officials found guilty of prior violations. 

Also under the bill, newly elected or appointed public officials would be required to complete training on open meeting laws and open records laws, with the Iowa Public Information Board providing free courses. 

House rep. Gary Mohr introduced the bill in response to ongoing violations in Davenport, where city officials have withheld building inspection reports related to a fatal 2023 apartment collapse.  

The legislation now moves to the Iowa Senate for consideration. 

Posted: April 1, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, Brechner Freedom of Information Project, Government Transparency, open records laws, public records, Secrecy Tracker