Iowa Senate Bill SF202

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Refer: 6/5/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public records requests.(Formerly SSB 1036.)

Impact

The impact of SF202 on state laws centers around the management of public records and the rights of citizens to access such information. By amending the existing legislation, the bill is set to create clearer guidelines for custodians, ensuring they communicate effectively with the public. This transparency measures can enhance public trust in governmental operations, as citizens will have a more reliable way to obtain information regarding government activities.

Summary

Senate File 202, previously known as SSB 1036, is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the process of public records requests in Iowa. The bill emphasizes the responsibilities of public record custodians in responding to requests efficiently and transparently. It mandates that custodians acknowledge received requests in a timely manner, provide necessary contact information, and inform requesters of estimated response times and associated costs. This initiative is intended to streamline access to public records and promote government accountability.

Contention

While the underlying intention of SF202 is to improve access to public records, there are potential points of contention surrounding the interpretation of what constitutes a reasonable delay or the definition of confidential records as specified in the proposed amendments. Concerns may arise regarding the subjective nature of such terms and whether they might inadvertently limit access to public information. Stakeholders in favor of transparency will be keen to monitor how these provisions are applied in practice.