Iowa Open Records Act

Response Timeline

No statutory response deadline. Iowa law does not specify a number of days within which an agency must respond to a records request. Agencies are expected to respond within a reasonable time.

No residency requirement. Any person may request public records under Iowa Code Chapter 22.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

• Written — Email, mail, or fax
• In person — Accepted at agency offices
• Oral — Oral requests for inspection accepted

No specific format required. Written requests recommended for documentation. Oral requests accepted for inspection of records.

Required Elements

• Description of records sought
• Contact information for response

Optional Elements

• Preferred format
• Purpose of request (not required)

Fees

Fees shall not exceed the cost of providing the service. Reasonable search and retrieval fees are permitted. Agencies may require advance payment. No specific per-page rates set by statute.

No statutory fee waiver provision. Waivers are at agency discretion. No public interest or indigency waiver required by law.

Exemptions

• Student records
  Student records of educational institutions (§22.7(1))
• Medical hospital
  Hospital and medical records of condition, diagnosis, care (§22.7(2))
• Trade secrets
  Trade secrets and proprietary financial information (§22.7(3))
• Attorney work product
  Attorney work product in litigation (§22.7(4))
• Peace officer
  Peace officer investigative reports (§22.7(5))
• Personal information
  Personal information in confidential personnel records (§22.7(11))
• Exam materials
  Examination questions and scoring materials
• Security
  Security measures and emergency procedures
• Tax returns
  Individual tax returns and financial information
• Sealed bids
  Sealed bids and proposals prior to award

Iowa Code §22.7 lists specific exemptions. Many exemptions are found in other chapters of the Iowa Code. The Iowa Public Information Board provides guidance on exemption applicability.

Appeal Process

The Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) provides an administrative appeal mechanism. IPIB can investigate, mediate, and issue findings. Court action is also available under §22.8 for injunctive relief.

Request Templates

Records Retention

Iowa Code §305.1–305.16

View retention law →

The State Records Commission approves all retention schedules. Records not listed on a general or agency schedule cannot be destroyed without prior commission approval.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →
• Primary source →
• RCFP Open Government Guide — Iowa →
• NFOIC State FOI Resources →