Iowa House action will be streamed online

Proceedings in the Iowa House will be streamed live over the Internet when lawmakers begin the legislative session next month.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says six high-definition cameras have been placed in the chamber, offering people direct access to debate.

Paulsen, a Republican from Hiawatha, called it ?an openness, transparency issue.?

Video won?t be streamed when the House is recessed or in the midst of a long break.

The Gazette newspaper reports the initial cost of the new service was about $130,000.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Democrat from Council Bluffs, says there are no plans for a similar move in the Senate because of lighting and other issues. He says it may be considered in the future.

The session begins Jan. 9.