This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to enhance the authority of the Secretary of State in managing business entity documents, particularly in cases of suspected fraud. It introduces a new subsection allowing the Secretary to require the submission of documents by mail or in person when credible information suggests potential fraud, which can stem from affidavits of unauthorized use or reports from government agencies. The bill also establishes a process for individuals to submit sworn affidavits to remove unauthorized information related to registered agents or principal offices from the Secretary of State's records. Additionally, it empowers the Secretary to issue written interrogatories to partnerships, limited partnerships, LLCs, corporations, associations, and cooperatives suspected of fraudulent activities, with specified timeframes for responses.

The bill further clarifies the conditions under which the Secretary of State can dissolve business entities that concede to violations identified in their responses to interrogatories. It ensures that individuals whose personal information has been improperly used in business filings can submit notarized affidavits of unauthorized use without incurring fees. If the Secretary validates these affidavits, a statement of removal will be filed to eliminate the unauthorized information from public records. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulatory measures, protect individuals from unauthorized use of their information, and ensure that business entities operate within legal parameters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 486A.1205, 486A.1201, 488.206, 488.809, 488.210B, 489.210, 489.708, 489.709, 489.212B, 490.120, 490.1420, 490.1421, 490.1621B, 499.44, 499.76, 499.77, 499.51, 501.105, 501.811, 501.812, 501.713B, 501A.201, 504.116, 504.111, 504.1421, 504.1422