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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 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.

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
 

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
 
Nebraska Legislature – Statute 84‑1407 to 84‑1414 (Open Meetings Act): 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
 
South Dakota Municipal League – Open Meetings & Open Records Resources:
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 Trainings

Thursday, September 15, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Sioux City Community School District Educational Services Center (Hospitality Room #118)
627 4th St, Sioux City
(In person & via Microsoft Teams)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TRAINING

Registration closes 24 hours before the 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

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.

 

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