A bill introduced into the Iowa Legislature Monday could decide the fate of the ISU Foundation’s open records policy.

Senate File 6, introduced by Senator David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, would amend Iowa’s public records law.

According to the proposed bill, “financial records of foundations which are established by or pursuant to statute for the support of the Board of Regents are public records under Code Chapter 22.”

An exception would be any record that would reveal the identity of a donor wishing to remain anonymous.

Johnson said he introduced the same bill last year in the House.

“It was not debated then and may not be debated this year,” he said.

Johnson has kept interest in the bill in hopes of getting the issue resolved.

“It is my interest to keep all parties involved talking to come up with some agreement over what records should be public,” Johnson said.

Phyllis Lepke, vice president for public information and legal affairs for the ISU Foundation, said she believes the foundation’s new public information policy addresses these issues.

“During the past year, the ISU Foundation has worked with media representatives and hundreds of other constituents to craft a public information policy that opens for public review a wealth of information about the foundation’s operation and impact,” she said.

Lepke said the Legislature should concentrate on other concerns.

“Given the important issues that confront our legislators this year, including state budget shortfalls and education funding, we would hope that this legislative initiative does not divert time and attention away from far more critical issues facing Iowans,” she said.

Johnson commended the steps the ISU Foundation has taken toward more openness.

“I am encouraged by progress that’s been made since last year,” he said.

Johnson said he is pleased people are talking about public records issues.

“The public needs accountability,” Johnson said.

Bill Kunerth, former professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication and open records advocate, agrees it is time for accountability.

“In light of scandals at Iowa State and dozens of foundations across the country, it’s in everybody’s interest these bills be passed,” he said.

Kunerth believes the bill will stand a greater chance of passing through with a new Legislature.

“It was defeated in subcommittee before those legislators are gone now,” Kunerth said.

Kunerth said he appreciates what the foundation has done so far to make the additional information available, but he still believes there is the need for legislation.

“There can never be true financial accountability until they allow accountability for individual business transactions,” he said.