Public Information Board

The House took a step forward in improving government transparency with the passage of Senate File 430, which creates the new Iowa Public Information Board.

The board will have nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The board’s responsibilities will include receiving and hearing complaints about access to public records. The board will also have the authority to issue subpoenas and issue civil penalties for open records violations.

The board can have no more than 3 members from the media and no more than 3 members that represent cities, counties, or other political subdivisions. The board will hire an executive director that is must be an attorney.

Senate File 430 originated in the Senate during 2011, and is now back to the Senate for further consideration.