Iowa House Bill HF400

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public records requests.(Formerly HSB 76.)

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to enhance the transparency of government operations by simplifying the process for citizens seeking access to public records. By streamlining the request process and reducing costs associated with accessing information, HF400 could significantly improve public engagement and trust in state institutions. However, it also establishes new expectations for custodians of public records, who must now adhere to specified timelines and procedures, potentially increasing their administrative burden.

Summary

House File 400 aims to amend the existing laws surrounding public records requests in Iowa. The bill modifies provisions related to how public records are accessed and the responsibilities of custodians of these records. It ensures that the examination and copying of public records can be conducted without the physical presence of the requester, allowing requests to be made through writing, telephone, or electronic means. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that custodians must strive to provide records without charge for requests that take under thirty minutes to fulfill, thus promoting greater accessibility.

Contention

Potential points of contention arise from how the changes in HF400 may affect the operations of various public agencies. While many support the bill for its transparency measures, there are concerns among custodians regarding the feasibility of complying with the new mandates, particularly those relating to the timeliness of responses and the management of costs associated with fulfilling requests. Some stakeholders argue that without adequate resources, the bill might unintentionally hinder the very access it aims to facilitate.