Open records audit sparks debate on training and compliance
Iowa officials face questions about resources and effectiveness after five years of open records training prompted by a newspaper audit. Critics urge stronger enforcement while supporters push for more guidance and web based training to improve compliance across state, local governments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Giudicessi
Des Moines
Faegre & Benson Law Firm
Tom Miller
Attorney
lowaAttorneyGeneral
David Vestal
Iowa State Association of Counties
Iowa
Tom Hanson
Kathleen Richardson
Iowa Freedom of Information Council
Richardson
Push for open Legislature falling short
Iowa lawmakers face repeated setbacks as Rep. Bill Schickel vows to refile HF 17 to subject the Legislature to open meetings rules. Opponents warn of overreach while HF 772 would empower removing officials for open-records violations. HF 372 targets serial meetings. committee votes show divided support. James Q. Lynch reports.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Q. Lynch
Gazette
ES Moines
Bill Schickel
Iowa
Mason City
Schickel
House
Marty Ryan
Iowa Civil Liberties Union
Ryan
Senate
Vicki Lensing
Iowa City
Lensing
Iowa FOI audit targets open records across 99 counties
The Gazette and 12 other Iowa papers join in a Feb 10 11 audit to test compliance with open records law. Reporters used undercover methods to request concealed weapons lists, travel claims, sheriff tax statements, building permits, and superintendent contracts while avoiding disclosure of their newsroom ties.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Des Moines Register
Ames Tribune
Burlington Hawk Eye
Council Bluffs Daily
Dubuque Telegraph Herald
Fort Dodge Messenger
Iowa City Press- Citizen
Mason City Globe-Gazette
N'West Iowa Review of Sheldon
Ottumwa Courier
Quad-City Times of
Davenport
Sioux City Journal
Storm Lake Times
Waterloo/ Cedar Falls Courier
Drake University
Iowa
Iowa Department of Education
Mark Bowden
Gazette
Mark.bowden
Gazettecommunications
Randy Evans
Register
Dmreg
Net Bonus Coverage Prompts Open Records Exploration
GazetteOnline presents a research data link and sample FOIA request letter. Excerpts from Iowa Open Records Law and tips for using the law accompany discussion of information access rights. The material frames how to pursue government records and data through formal requests.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
GazetteOnline.com
Iowa
Also Mentioned on This Page
Giudicessi
Tom Bredeweg
Iowa League of Cities
Vestal
The
Bowden
Mark Gannon
Ames
Iowa State University
Founda
Janet.rorholm
Gazettecommunications.com
Ckrantz
Dmreg.com
David Vestallowa
Ine
Tige
Yeu
Oue Tii Eney
Cliff Jette
Rep
James.lynch
IRS
Wall Street Journal
Rview
Taxexperts.com
JK Harris & Company
Cedar Rapids
Bingham
Collins
CUD Estate
Towaius
Alliant Energy-Interstate Power and Light Co
Alliantenergy.com
Alliant
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