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Who is covered by Chapter 21?
In one sentence of Chapter 21.2, “meeting” is defined broadly to include most formal and informal gatherings of a majority of members of a governmental body. In the next sentence, however, gatherings “for purely ministerial or social purposes” are not considered to be “meetings.” Why is the law’s coverage limited in this way?
What guidelines have been established for providing the “tentative agenda” and reasonable notice of public meetings called for in Chapter 21.4?
Chapter 21 permits the closing of a meeting for any one of 12 reasons. Why?
Does any provision of the Code of Iowa permit a final action to be taken in closed session?
What other sections of the Code permit meetings of governmental bodies to be closed?
Chapter 21.6(2) notes: “Once a party seeking judicial enforcement of this chapter demonstrates to the court that the body in question is subject to the requirements of this chapter and has held a closed session, the burden of going forward shall be on the body and its members to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter.” What is meant by the “burden of going forward” and why should that burden be on the governmental body?
Can a governmental body covered by Chapter 21 take a secret ballot?
What steps should a private citizen take at a meeting of a governmental body when it is suggested that the body go into closed session, apparently for reasons not legal under Chapter 21 or other sections of the Iowa Code?
To what extent do members of a governmental body share with their attorney responsibility for compliance with the open meetings law? Chapter 21.6(3) does provide the members with a defense if they “reasonably relied” upon the attorney’s opinion.
Does a person who wants to speak at a meeting of a governmental agency have the legal right to do so?
If a majority of the members of a board are communicating online at the same time, would that constitute a public meeting?
When does an advisory board or committee have to comply with the open meetings law?
How, when and where must the agenda and notice of a meeting be posted to fulfill the requirements of open meetings laws?
When can Iowa Code Section 21.5 be used to close an open meeting for the purpose of discussing certain personnel issues relating to evaluation of the professional competency of an employee or potential employee by a governmental body?
Can Conference Board voting units caucus privately without violating open meetings laws?
When does a meeting require minutes, and what is included in the minutes?
Printed from the website on March 24, 2023 at 8:04am.
