This bill amends the definition of "government body" in Iowa's open records law to include instrumentalities of counties, cities, or townships. Specifically, it adds language to include these entities, which serve governmental purposes, operate on behalf of political subdivisions, and are controlled by members of those subdivisions. The bill also provides a definition for "instrumentality" and lists examples such as the Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa State Association of Counties.

By including instrumentalities under the definition of government bodies, the bill subjects them to open records requirements and associated civil penalties. This change ensures that these entities are held to the same standards of transparency as other government bodies. Additionally, the bill reinforces the penalties for public officers or employees who falsify records, classifying such actions as a class D felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years and significant fines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.1, 468.3