Grassroots Lobbying Kit

Suggested FOI Resources

Ø Iowa Freedom of Information Council publications: www.ifoic.org

(then click on “Publications” link on left)

- Pocket-size booklets: $2 each or text available for free on the Web site

1. Open Meetings, Open Records Handbook: text of Chapters 21 and 22 of the Iowa Code, plus and questions and answers about the laws, and a sample public records request letter.

2. Expanded Media Coverage Handbook: text of Iowa FOI Council and judicial branch rules governing electronic coverage of Iowa courtrooms.

- Keeping Iowa Open: A Guide to the State’s Access Laws and the Courts: primer on the state’s “sunshine” laws and court system for journalists new to Iowa.

- Fliers:

1. A Journalist's Guide to Openness in Iowa: summarizes the Iowa Code regarding open meetings, open records and access to law enforcement. (Published in conjunction with the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.)

2. Openness Defense Fund: Offers support for litigation and programs to educate Iowans on the laws regarding access to government records and meetings.

Ø Campaign Finance Information:

Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board: www.iowa.gov/ethics/index.htm

Federal Election Commission: www.fec.gov

Follow the Money: www.followthemoney.org

Open Secrets: www.opensecrets.org

Ø The Iowa Broadcasters Association: http://www.iowabroadcasters.com/

- Offers a legal hotline to members. A national hotline is also available for members.

- The Web site lists legal and regulatory information specifically for broadcasters.

Ø The Iowa Broadcast News Association: http://www.ibna.org/

- IBNA members get free answers to questions concerning open meetings, public records and court proceedings.

- A quarterly publication is also available. It contains information on new products, industry trends, association news and editorials.

Ø The Iowa Judicial Branch Web site: http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/

- View basic case information (case titles and filings, criminal charges, case dispositions, child support payments and fine payments) for free and additional information for a fee.

- A new section offers resources for reporters, including a glossary of legal terms, explanation of the Iowa court system and how to read a legal decision.

Ø Iowa Newspaper Association’s public notices Web site: http://www.publicnoticeads.com/ia/

- All public notices that have been published in participating Iowa newspapers.

- Notices include hearings, advertisements for bids, financial reports, adoption of ordinances and other government activities legally requiring public notice.

Ø Legal Resources:

- Iowa State Bar Association: http://www.iowabar.org/

- Iowa Trial Lawyers Association: http://www.iowatla.org/

- Legal Services Corporation of Iowa: http://www.iowalegalaid.org/

- Drake University Law School and Legal Clinic: http://www.law.drake.edu/

- University of Iowa Law School and Legal Clinic: www.law.uiowa.edu

Ø State of Iowa Resources:

- Office of the Attorney General: http://www.iowaattorneygeneral.org/

- Office of Citizens’ Aide/Ombudsman: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/ombudsman

- Iowa Legislature and Iowa Code: www.legis.state.ia.us/

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Ø Government Associations: Web sites contain information about Iowa law. These associations can also help resolve access issues by advising public agencies about what the laws require or by explaining how public agencies interpret the law.

- Iowa Association of School Boards: http://www.ia-sb.org/

- Iowa League of Cities: http://www.iowaleague.org/

- Iowa State Association of Counties: http://www.iowacounties.org/

Ø Iowa Journalism Schools: faculty can answer or provide insight to questions dealing with journalism practices and ethics.

- Drake University: http://www.drake.edu/journalism/

- Iowa State University: http://www.jlmc.iastate.edu/

- University of Iowa: http://www.uiowa.edu/jmc

- University of Northern Iowa: http://www.uni.edu/chfa/dep_comstudy.html

Ø National Resources:

- First Amendment Center: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/

- The Reporters Committee on Freedom of the Press: http://www.rcfp.org/

- Student Press Law Center: http://www.splc.org/

- The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information: http://www.brechner.org/

- University of Missouri Freedom of Information Center: http://foi.missouri.edu/

- National Freedom of Information Coalition: http://www.nfoic.org/