Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1036

Introduced
1/12/23  
Introduced
1/12/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public records requests.(See SF 202.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB1036 would impact state laws related to public records requests, by standardizing the response protocols of custodians across various government entities. The bill not only encourages a more efficient workflow but also aims to reinforce accountability by ensuring that citizens have clearer communication regarding their requests. By mandating custodians to specify costs associated with the records and the timelines for fulfillment, the bill seeks to reduce confusion and delays often associated with such requests.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1036 is focused on amending Iowa's public records request process to enhance transparency in government operations. The bill proposes changes to the existing law, clarifying the responsibilities of lawful custodians of public records when they receive requests for information. Under the proposed amendments, custodians will be required to acknowledge requests promptly and provide an estimated timeline for when records will be available, along with any associated fees for processing the requests. This aim is to streamline the information request process and make it more accessible to the public.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding SSB1036, particularly regarding the balance between transparency and the potential burden it may impose on governmental agencies. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step toward fostering greater transparency and public trust in governmental operations, while critics may express concern that the requirements could lead to increased administrative workload for public agencies. The requirement for custodians to provide detailed information about costs and timeframes could also be viewed as an additional barrier to accessing public records by some, potentially undermining the bill's intent.

Companion Bills

IA SF202

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

IA HSB144

Related A bill for an act relating to public records requests.(See HF 350.)

IA HF350

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to public records requests.(Formerly HSB 144.)

Similar Bills

IN HB1446

Case management after family reunification.

CA SB1458

The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act.

LA HB1118

Authorizes certain fiduciaries to exercise control respecting the digital property of decedents and other certain persons

CO HB1296

Modifications to the Colorado Open Records Act

CT HB05606

An Act Concerning The Connecticut Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access To Digital Assets Act.

OK HB3778

Digital assets; Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act; custodian; protected persons; fiduciaries; power of attorney; effective date.

AL HB617

Abandoned property, management of abandoned digital assets provided for, State Treasurer authorized to select a qualified custodian

NJ S1664

Permits municipalities and counties to require requestor of government record to obtain records from agency website.