The bill amends the definition of "government body" in Iowa's open records law to include "an instrumentality of a city or township." This change subjects such instrumentalities to the same open records requirements and civil penalties that apply to other government bodies. The bill also clarifies that these instrumentalities will be included in various provisions related to public access to government information, publication and posting of notices, and penalties for misconduct in office.

Additionally, the bill specifies that public officers or employees who knowingly falsify documents that will become public records of a government body can be charged with a class D felony. This felony is punishable by up to five years of confinement and fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within local government entities by ensuring that they adhere to open records laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.1