Branstad backs exemption in open-records bill

DES MOINES (AP) ? A bill backed by Gov. Terry Branstad would form a public information board to oversee Iowa?s open records and meetings laws, but the board would not oversee compliance by the governor?s office.

The proposed board?s oversight also would not extend to operations of the legislative and judicial branches, reflecting current open records and meetings laws. But it?s the governor?s exemption that is causing concern in some circles.

Branstad has pledged his administration will operate with transparency. But Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the bill?s requirement for individuals to respond to the board in person could create a burden for the governor?s office.

The board would oversee complaints and could impose fines against officials who violate the law.

?Without this exemption, this would create a tool that could effectively be used by anyone to disrupt and paralyze the functioning of the governor?s office,? Albrecht said.

Scott Sundstrom, a lobbyist for the Iowa Newspaper Association, noted the governor and his office still must abide by open records laws, and anyone who thinks the governor has violated the open records law can continue to seek counsel through the attorney general.

But Larry Pope of the Iowa League of Cities told The Des Moines Register he believes the bill is ?cynical? because the governor?s office staff is backing the measure while also pushing to avoid its review.

?We have had the governor?s office staff lobbying the bill, pushing the bill, but at the same time lobbying to get out of it,? Pope said.

Advocates of open government have said Iowans frequently report difficulties in viewing records or gaining access to meetings they believe should be open to the public.

The state?s ombudsman?s office, an investigative agency with no enforcement power, averaged roughly 285 contacts about public records, open meetings and privacy issues per year from 2008 through 2010.

The seven-member Iowa Public Information Board created by Senate File 430 would cost taxpayers $155,000 a year, starting in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2012, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.

Most of those costs are associated with salaries for an attorney and an administrative assistant.

The Senate-passed bill awaits further action in the House. Both House Republicans and Democrats promised to continue to work on the bill before it reaches the House floor.