Iowa House Bill HF161

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

A bill for an act concerning the withholding of names, addresses, and personally identifiable information of certain lottery prize winners.

Impact

If passed, HF161 would significantly alter how the Iowa Department of Revenue handles the personal information of lottery winners. It would establish a legal framework that prioritizes the privacy of substantial prize winners by making their identification confidential unless they opt in to disclose it. This change is expected to impact public perception of lottery participation, possibly encouraging more individuals to participate due to increased privacy assurances for large winnings.

Summary

House File 161 (HF161) addresses the confidentiality of personal information for lottery prize winners, specifically those winning $1 million or more. The bill amends existing laws to allow such winners to remain anonymous if they choose to do so at the time of claiming their prizes. Under current legislation, the names and addresses of lottery winners are publicly accessible, except when ordered otherwise by a court or custodian of the records. This bill aims to enhance the privacy of significant prize winners.

Contention

The bill, while largely aimed at protecting individuals' privacy, may raise questions regarding transparency. Critics may argue that withholding names and personal information could lead to concerns about accountability within the lottery system. On the other hand, proponents assert that individuals who win large sums should have the right to choose whether their personal information is made public, especially considering the potential risks associated with such fame, including threats to personal safety and privacy violations.