This bill amends the definition of "government body" in Iowa's open records law (Code chapter 22) 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 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 become public records of a government body may be charged with a class D felony. This felony carries a potential punishment of 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 their records are accessible to the public.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22.1