Iowa legislative rule change is a blow to transparency

Not long after the 2019 legislative session got underway, the Iowa Senate took a misguided step backward on transparency and sent an ominous signal to Iowans who care what happens at the Capitol.

In the General Assembly, most bills are referred for consideration to legislative committees, addressing subjects such as education or human services.

But those bills first are discussed by subcommittees, usually made up of three lawmakers. It’s the lone step in the committee process where Iowans and interest groups can weigh in on legislation in an open, public discussion.

But in the opening days of the session, several committees in the Republican-controlled Senate adopted rules eliminating previous provisions mandating public access and 24-hour notice of subcommittee meetings. Iowa’s open meetings law doesn’t apply to the Legislature, and the GOP majority can set its own rules governing procedure.

Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/staff-editorial/iowa-legislature-rule-change-senate-transparency-subcommittee-policy-open-meetings-government-20190125