HF 2490: Relating to public meetings and records, including public notice requirements for meetings of a governmental body, supervision and fees associated with examining and copying public records, employment separation information for certain government employees, contractors, or appointees, and injunctions to restrain vexatious requesters

What it does

This bill relates to public notice requirements for meetings of a governmental body. The bill requires the act of giving notice of a meeting of a governmental body to include (1) advising the news media who have filed a request for notice with the governmental body as provided under current law, (2) posting the notice in a prominent and conspicuous place that is designated annually by the governmental body, in a manner such that the notice is visible at all times, and (3) posting the notice on any associated internet site as specified in the bill.

Senate subcommittee · named February 26, 2026

• Sen. Sandy Salmon (R) · sandy.salmon@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Thomas Townsend (D) · thomas.townsend@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Iowa Freedom of Information Council; Iowa Public Information Board

In plain words

1. January 20, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the State Government committee · as HSB 578
2. January 20, 2026House subcommittee named: Siegrist, Dunwell, Johnson and R · as HSB 578
3. February 10, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 578
4. February 11, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 578
5. February 16, 2026Filed in the House
6. February 16, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2490 · as HSB 578
7. February 23, 2026Passed the House, 88–1
8. February 24, 2026Arrived in the Senate
9. February 26, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Salmon, Townsend and Webster
10. March 5, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
11. March 19, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
12. April 20, 2026Passed the Senate, 44–0
13. April 22, 2026Passed the House, 89–0
14. May 6, 2026Sent to the Governor
15. May 15, 2026Signed into law