--- title: Compliance Resources | SIMPCO description: This section provides SIMPCO members with quick access to essential guidance, compliance requirements, and reference materials covering topics such as web accessibility standards, open meetings laws, and other regulatory obligations that support effective and transparent local governance. --- [Skip to content](https://simpco.org/member-support-simpco#main-content) - [RESOURCES](https://simpco.org/resources) - [PUBLICATIONS](https://simpco.org/publications) - [NEWS & EVENTS](https://simpco.org/news/tag/news) [tel:+17122796286](tel:+17122796286)[mailto:simpco@simpco.org](mailto:simpco@simpco.org) Close - [Divisions](https://simpco.org/divisions) - [Transportation Planning](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning) - [Bicycle & Pedestrian Activities](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/bicycle-pedestrian-activities) - [Title VI Civil Rights](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/title-vi-civil-rights) - 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[Transportation Planning](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning) - [Bicycle & Pedestrian Activities](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/bicycle-pedestrian-activities) - [Title VI Civil Rights](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning/title-vi-civil-rights) - [Community Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/community-development) - [Economic Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/economic-development) - [Housing Programs](https://simpco.org/divisions/housing-programs) - [GIS Mapping](https://simpco.org/divisions/gis-mapping) - [SRTS /Paratransit](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system) - [SRTS/Paratransit](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system) - [Services](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/services) - [Service Areas & Fares](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/service-areas-fares) - [Request-a-Ride](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/request-a-ride) - [Payment Center](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/payment-center) - [ADA-Reasonable Modification](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/ada-request) - [Riding Policy](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/riding-policy) - [Vanpooling](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/vanpooling) - [About Us](https://simpco.org/about-us) - [Why SIMPCO?](https://simpco.org/about-us/why-simpco) - [Committees & Boards](https://simpco.org/about-us/committees) - [Member List](https://simpco.org/about-us/member-list) - [Our Partners](https://simpco.org/about-us/partners) - [Careers](https://simpco.org/about-us/careers) - [Current Projects](https://simpco.org/news/tag/current-projects) - [Success Stories](https://simpco.org/news/tag/success-stories) [Contact Us](https://simpco.org/contact-us?hsLang=en) ###### [Transportation Planning](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning?hsLang=en) ###### [Community Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/community-development?hsLang=en) ###### [Economic Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/economic-development?hsLang=en) ###### [Housing Programs](https://simpco.org/divisions/housing-programs?hsLang=en) ###### [GIS Mapping](https://simpco.org/divisions/gis-mapping?hsLang=en) ###### [SRTS / Paratransit](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system?hsLang=en) [Learn More About Our Services and Initiatives](https://simpco.org/divisions?hsLang=en)  ###### [Services](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/services?hsLang=en) ###### [Service Areas](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/service-areas-fares?hsLang=en) [& Fares](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/service-areas-fares?hsLang=en) ###### [Request-a-Ride](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/request-a-ride?hsLang=en) ###### [Payment Center](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/payment-center?hsLang=en) ###### [ADA-Reasonable](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/ada-request?hsLang=en) [Modification](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/ada-request?hsLang=en) ###### [Riding Policy](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/riding-policy?hsLang=en) ###### [Vanpooling](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system/vanpooling?hsLang=en) [Explore Transit Services](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system?hsLang=en)   ###### [Why SIMPCO?](https://simpco.org/about-us/why-simpco?hsLang=en) ###### [Committees](https://simpco.org/about-us/committees?hsLang=en) [& Boards](https://simpco.org/about-us/committees?hsLang=en) ###### [Member List](https://simpco.org/about-us/member-list?hsLang=en) ###### [Meetings](https://simpco.org/publications/agendas-minutes?hsLang=en) ###### [Our Partners](https://simpco.org/about-us/partners?hsLang=en) ###### [Careers](https://simpco.org/about-us/careers?hsLang=en) ###### [Training Room Rental](https://simpco.org/training-room-rental-siouxland-interstate-metropolitan-planning-council-simpco?hsLang=en) [Serving Siouxland](https://simpco.org/about-us?hsLang=en) [communities since 1965.](https://simpco.org/about-us?hsLang=en)   ###### [Success Stories](https://simpco.org/news/tag/success-stories?hsLang=en) # Compliance Resources - [Resources](https://simpco.org/resources?hsLang=en) - [Compliance Resources](https://simpco.org/member-support-simpco) ## Governance Support This section provides SIMPCO members with quick access to guidance, compliance requirements, and reference materials on topics such as web acessibility, open meetings laws, and other regulatory obligations that support effective, transparent local government operations.  - Web Accessibility (ADA & WCAG) - Open Meetings & Open Records Laws - Open Meetings & Open Records Law Training Web Accessibility (ADA & WCAG)Open Meetings & Open Records LawsOpen Meetings & Open Records Law Training ## Web Accessibility Standards (ADA & WCAG) State and local governments must ensure that all public‑facing web content and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities under ADA Title II. The U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 rule sets WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard, with compliance generally due April 24, 2026, for larger entities (population ≥50,000) and April 26, 2027, for smaller governments and special districts. While there are narrow exceptions (e.g., true archives and certain pre‑existing documents), agencies are still obligated to provide *effective communication* and *reasonable modifications* upon request. When in doubt, build pages and documents to WCAG 2.1 AA and avoid “separate accessible versions” unless a true technical/legal limitation applies. [**Click here for the DOJ fact sheet on the new accessibility rule for web content and mobile apps.**](https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/) ## Open Meetings & Open Records Laws ### **Iowa Open Meetings & Open Records Requirements** Iowa’s “sunshine laws,” found in Iowa Code Chapters 21 (Open Meetings) and 22 (Public Records), require that governmental bodies conduct business openly so the public can easily access the basis, rationale, and outcomes of government decisions. Meetings must be preceded by adequate public notice that includes the time, date, place, and a tentative agenda, and minutes must be kept and made publicly available. Ambiguity in the rules must be resolved in favor of openness, and meetings may be closed only for reasons explicitly authorized in Chapter 21.5, following strict procedures including a public vote. Public records are similarly presumed open unless a specific exemption applies, and Iowans have the right to inspect or request copies of government records under Chapter 22. Oversight and enforcement— including complaint investigations, mediation, and prosecutorial authority—are provided by the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB).   **Iowa Public Information Board – Open Meetings: [https://ipib.iowa.gov/open-meetings](https://ipib.iowa.gov/open-meetings)**   ### **Nebraska Open Meetings & Open Records Requirements** Nebraska law requires transparency through the Open Meetings Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84‑1407 to 84‑1414), which declares that the formation of public policy is public business and cannot be conducted in secret. Public bodies must provide reasonable advance notice with an agenda, meet openly (including rules for virtual conferencing), keep minutes, and limit closed sessions to legally authorized purposes. Actions taken in violation of the Act may be voided, and enforcement can involve both the Attorney General and county attorneys. Nebraska’s Public Records Statutes (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84‑712 to 84‑712.09) further guarantee the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including electronic records, with agencies required to respond within four business days and apply only narrow, statutory exemptions. Both statutes emphasize transparency and affirm the public’s broad right to access government information.   **Nebraska Attorney General – Open Meetings Act Overview: [https://ago.nebraska.gov/outline-nebraska-open-meetings-act](https://ago.nebraska.gov/outline-nebraska-open-meetings-act)**   **Nebraska Legislature – Statute 84‑1407 to 84‑1414 (Open Meetings Act): [https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-1407](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=84-1407)**   ### **South Dakota Open Meetings & Open Records Requirements** South Dakota’s Open Meetings Law (SDCL 1‑25) requires that official meetings of public bodies—defined as any gathering of a quorum where public business is discussed—be open to the public, with advance notice and an accessible agenda posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Teleconference meetings are allowed if the public is provided a place to attend or a way to listen remotely. Recent legislative updates also require public bodies to annually review the open meetings laws and clarify that electronic communications among a quorum can constitute an official meeting. Closed sessions are permitted only for specific statutory reasons, such as personnel matters, legal consultations, student issues, or certain negotiations.  South Dakota’s public records and “Sunshine Law” (SDCL 1‑27) create a presumption that all government records are public unless explicitly exempt, covering documents in any physical or electronic form held by state and local agencies. Anyone may request records without stating a purpose, and agencies must provide access unless the records fall within statutory exemptions (e.g., certain financial, personal, investigative, or court‑related records). The state maintains public information portals like OpenSD to facilitate transparency. While South Dakota law does not specify a required response time for records requests, agencies may charge reasonable fees for specialized services. Disputes may be taken to the Office of Hearing Examiners under SDCL 1‑27‑38 through 1‑27‑43. **South Dakota Attorney General – Open Meetings Law Guide (2025): [https://atg.sd.gov/docs/July%202025OpenMeetingsLaw.pdf](https://atg.sd.gov/docs/July%202025OpenMeetingsLaw.pdf)**   **South Dakota Municipal League – Open Meetings & Open Records Resources:** **[https://sdmunicipalleague.org/page/Library-OpenMeetingsLawandOpenRecords](https://sdmunicipalleague.org/page/Library-OpenMeetingsLawandOpenRecords)** ## Open Meetings & Open Records Law Training SIMPCO is certified to provide official training on Iowa’s Open Meetings and Open Records Laws. These trainings are designed for elected officials and appointed board members to meet statutory requirements and gain practical guidance for conducting public business in compliance with Iowa law. ### **Upcoming Training** ##### **Thursday, October 20, 2026** **3:30 - 5:00 PM** **SIMPCO**  6401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City *(In person & via Microsoft Teams)* *[**CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TRAINING**](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oPzG2k5JgEqsb-sr2TMGjtL5jwyRt_FJjAPlfXzUBFpUNFU2QlBBRDZZNVVZNVIyWlRDT01YQjJTNi4u)* *Registration closes 24 hours before the training.* ### **Who Should Attend** - Newly elected or appointed city council members *(as of July 1, 2025)* - County supervisors - Board and commission members   *Iowa law requires newly elected or appointed officials to complete Open Meetings and Open Records training within 90 days of taking office.* ### **What the Training Covers** - Requirements of Iowa’s Open Meetings Law - Open Records obligations and best practices - Common mistakes that lead to violations - Practical guidance for conducting public business legally - Real‑world Iowa examples and participant Q&A ### **Training Details** - Instructor‑led, certified training - In‑person and virtual attendance options - Certificates of completion provided within 10 business days of the training session you attended - **Free for SIMPCO members;** **$50 fee applies for non‑members**   If you have questions about Open Meetings & Open Records Law training, certification requirements, or upcoming sessions, please contact SIMPCO at **712-279-6286.** EXPLORE RESOURCES ## Related Pages - [**Grant Opportunities**](https://simpco.org/resources/grant-opportunities?hsLang=en) - **[Disaster Recovery](https://simpco.org/resources/disaster-assistance?hsLang=en)** - **SIMPCO Services: [Power Half Hour](https://simpco.org/-simpco-services-power-half-hour?hsLang=en)** [![simpco-logo-white](https://45496084.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45496084/hubfs/2024%20SIMPCO%20Site/Global/simpco-logo-white.webp?width=130&name=simpco-logo-white.webp)](https://simpco.org/?hsLang=en) The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, located in Sioux City, Iowa, is a council of governments serving the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. 6401 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106 [**712-279-6286**](tel:7122796286) [**simpco@simpco.org**](mailto:%20simpco@simpco.org) - [Divisions](https://simpco.org/divisions) - [Transportation Planning](https://simpco.org/divisions/transportation-planning) - [Community Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/community-development) - [Economic Development](https://simpco.org/divisions/economic-development) - [Housing Programs](https://simpco.org/divisions/housing-programs) - [GIS Mapping](https://simpco.org/divisions/gis-mapping) - [SRTS / Paratransit](https://simpco.org/siouxland-regional-transit-system) - [Learn More](https://simpco.org/about-us) - [About Us](https://simpco.org/about-us) - [Current Projects](https://simpco.org/news/tag/current-projects) - [Publications](https://simpco.org/publications) - [Resources](https://simpco.org/resources) - [Contact Us](https://simpco.org/contact-us) - [News & Events](https://simpco.org/news/tag/news) - [Online Store](https://www.walloffame247.com/srts-simpco) Sign up for Our Newsletter Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay updated on current projects, upcoming events, meetings, grant opportunities, and ways to get involved. © SIMPCO. 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