Commission told of new Iowa open-meetings training and higher penalties under HF706

The Iowa City Civil Service Commission heard an update on changes to Iowa Code chapter 21 on July 16, including a new member-education requirement and higher penalties for violating the state open-meetings law under House File 706.

Staff told the commission the new requirement will mandate 1 to 2 hours of state-approved online training for newly elected or appointed public officials who serve on government bodies; the training will be created and approved by the Iowa Public Information Board. New members must complete the training within 90 days after assuming office, and staff will maintain certificates of completion for commission records.

Staff also told the commission that the city attorney's office has noted the law increases financial penalties for violations of the open meetings law. At the meeting a commissioner stated the penalties increase "from 2,500 to 12,500" for that violation. Staff said the commission should expect guidance from the attorney's office before entering closed session in the future to ensure lawful grounds for closed-session deliberations.

Why it matters: mandatory training and higher penalties change the compliance obligations for local board and commission members and increase the stakes for open-meetings violations.

Discussion and direction: staff said they will notify commissioners when the Iowa Public Information Board's training becomes available and will collect and maintain certificates of completion. Staff recommended consulting the city attorney's office for guidance when commission business might warrant a closed session.

Next steps: staff expects the Iowa Public Information Board to release training guidance soon and said they will reach out to members with access and instruction when the training is ready.

The commission discussed using attorney guidance and staff support to reduce legal risk and ensure compliance with the updated state requirements.