Relating to government bodies for purposes of open records, and making penalties applicable

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 29, 2025
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 29, 2025
3. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 3, 2025
4. Next: Passes the Senate
5. –
   Skipped: House committeeSkipped
6. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 5, 202686–0
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became SF 503 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 503 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill amends the definition of “government body” in Code chapter (open records) to include an instrumentality of a city or township, thereby subjecting such instrumentalities to open records requirements and associated civil penalties applicable to government bodies.1 (felonious misconduct in office). _____ will become a public record of a government body, commits a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

Senate subcommittee

Named January 29, 2025. On February 24, 2025 it recommended amendment and passage.

• Sen. Scott Webster REmail
• Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach DEmail
• Sen. Dave Sires REmail

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

Fiscal note

The fiscal impact of Senate File 503 cannot be determined but is anticipated to be minimal. The average State cost for a Class D felony is between $13,000 and $18,100. The estimated impact to the General Fund includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the DOC. The costs would be incurred across multiple fiscal years for prison and parole supervision.

• Public Records, Government Bodies · March 4, 2026
• Public Records, Government Bodies · March 4, 2026

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§22.1

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.