This bill amends the definition of "government body" in Iowa's open records law to include any instrumentality of a city or township. This change subjects these instrumentalities to the same open records requirements and civil penalties that apply to other government bodies. The bill also clarifies that this inclusion extends to various provisions in the Iowa Code, including those related to public access to government information and the publication of notices.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the legal consequences for public officers or employees who falsify documents that become public records. Specifically, under the amended law, such actions are classified as a class D felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years of confinement and fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. This aims to enhance accountability and transparency within government operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.1