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 provisions that allow the Secretary to require the submission of documents by mail or in person if there is credible information suggesting potential fraud. Additionally, individuals can submit a notarized affidavit of unauthorized use if their personal information has been improperly filed, prompting the Secretary to conduct an administrative review and, if necessary, file a statement of removal to correct the records. The bill also empowers the Secretary to issue written interrogatories to partnerships, limited partnerships, associations, and cooperatives suspected of fraudulent activities, with specified timeframes for responses.

Furthermore, the legislation establishes a process for individuals to report unauthorized use of their information in filings related to various business entities, ensuring that no fees will be charged for filing these affidavits or statements of removal. The Secretary of State is required to verify these claims and remove unauthorized information from business records. The bill outlines the consequences for non-compliance, including administrative dissolution of entities that concede to violations identified through interrogatories. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the integrity of business registrations and protect individuals from unauthorized use of their personal information.

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