Bills › 91st General Assembly

SF 2160Died when the session ended · January 29, 2026

Relating to the ability of persons to examine the public records of school districts

Sponsored by Sen. Doug Campbell (R), Sen. Lynn Evans (R), Sen. Mike Pike (R)

Topics:K–12 educationState government

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 29, 2026
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
  3. Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
  4. Next: Passes the Senate
  5. Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
  6. Next: Passes the House
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary School district boards must follow state laws that allow people to look at public records. If a board refuses to show these records, an affected person can take legal action to force them to comply. This legal process can result in the board paying money, covering lawyer fees, or even being removed from office for repeated violations.1

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to the ability of persons to examine the public records of school districts. The bill requires the board of directors of a school district to comply with all applicable provisions of Code chapter 22 (examination of public records).10. Civil enforcement mechanisms include payments of monetary damages by the lawful custodian who violated Code chapter 22, payment of costs and reasonable attorney fees, and, for repeat offenses, an order removing the person from office.

Why it matters. People who want to view school district public records would gain more ways to enforce their rights if a school board fails to comply with state laws. If a board does not follow these rules, an aggrieved person could seek court orders or civil penalties, including monetary damages, attorney fees, and the potential removal of officials from office for repeat offenses.2

Full bill text3

Senate subcommittee

Named February 3, 2026. It hasn’t reported yet.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§279.89

How the Code works4

Lobbying

5 for · 0 against · 6 undecided · Who →

Similar bills

  • SF 177 Relating to the ability of persons to examine the public records of school districts
    91st General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage
    Nearly identical

Matched by wording or an identical title.