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 law, such as public access to government information and the publication of notices.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the penalties for public officers or employees who falsify documents that become public records, classifying such actions as 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 all instrumentalities are held to the same standards as other government bodies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.1