Iowa Lawmakers Pass Bill Increasing Fines for Open Meetings Law Violations

Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill that significantly increases the fines for public officials who violate the state's open meetings law. The bill, introduced in response to concerns over a $1.6 million settlement agreement made by Davenport city officials without a public city council vote, raises the maximum fine for unknowing violations from $500 to $2,500, and for knowing violations from $500 to $12,500. The bill also requires courts to remove public officials from office if they have a previous violation and commit a second one.

The bill, House File 2539, was introduced by Rep. Gary Mohr, R-Bettendorf. It passed unanimously in the Senate and 87-6 in the House, and is now eligible to be signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. The bill aims to ensure that government meetings are held in public, with some exceptions, and to increase transparency and accountability for public officials.

Why this matters: This bill seeks to hold public officials more accountable and increase transparency in government decision-making processes. The hefty fines and potential removal from office for repeat offenders send a strong message about the importance of adhering to open meetings laws.

The impetus for the bill was the controversy surrounding Davenport's $1.6 million settlement agreement with former City Administrator Corri Spiegel. The agreement was made without a public city council vote, leading to concerns that the city may have violated Iowa's open records law by keeping the settlement process a secret. The Iowa State Auditor is currently investigating the settlement agreements with Spiegel and two other former city employees.

Spiegel has requested that the city waive part of the settlement agreement that bars her from interviewing with local media, if the court rules to release a letter she allegedly sent detailing instances of discrimination and harassment she faced in her role. The settlement agreement was not disclosed until after the November municipal elections.

Rep. Mohr said the bill "sends a message that we want to have transparency" and that public officials need to be held accountable. The increased fines and potential removal from office for repeat violations aim to deter public officials from knowingly violating the open meetings law and encourage greater transparency in government proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• Iowa passed a bill to increase fines for open meeting law violations.
• Fines raised from $500 to $2,500 for unknowing violations, $12,500 for knowing.
• Bill requires removal of officials with prior violation who commit a second.
• Bill aims to increase transparency and accountability for public officials.
• Controversy over Davenport's $1.6M settlement agreement without public vote.