Iowa bill would give access to documents discussed at meetings of public agencies

A common obstacle for reporters covering public meetings is the lack of access to documents being discussed at the meeting by members of the public agency board. We wonder how many states have a law like one an Iowa legislator wants to pass.

The bill would require public agencies in the Hawkeye State to distribute to everyone in attendance "copies of all material distributed in connection with the meeting at the time the meeting is held, if practicable, or within three days after the meeting is held by posting such material on the Internet site of the governmental body or, upon request, by sending such material to a requester by regular mail or electronic mail."

The bill, House File 168, would also require government agencies to schedule at least half of their board meetings "in the evening hours" and require notice of meetings 72 hours in advance
instead of the current 48 hours. It is sponsored by Rep. Jodi Tymeson, R-Winterset, one of four assistant House minority leaders. She was the first female brigadier general in the Iowa Army National Guard, according to her caucus Web site.