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 of State to require the submission of documents by mail or in person when credible information suggests potential fraud. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individuals to submit notarized affidavits of unauthorized use if their personal information has been improperly filed, prompting the Secretary of State to conduct an administrative review and, if necessary, file a statement of removal to correct the records.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Secretary of State to issue written interrogatories to partnerships, limited partnerships, associations, and cooperatives suspected of fraudulent activities, requiring responses within a specified timeframe. Failure to respond or conceding to violations may lead to administrative dissolution of the entities involved. The legislation aims to strengthen the integrity of business filings and protect individuals from unauthorized use of their information, while also clarifying the conditions under which documents may be required to be submitted by mail or in person.

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