A bill for an act relating to public records requests.

This bill (HSB 582) updates Iowa's public records law to improve accessibility for requesters. It requires government offices to accept written, phone, or electronic requests without demanding in-person visits, provide upfront cost estimates for copies (including free access for records taking under 30 minutes to produce), and give clear timelines for responses. The law directly affects public agencies handling records and citizens seeking government information. Key provisions include mandating prompt acknowledgment of requests, informing requesters of delays, and requiring transparent communication about fees before charges are applied.