Opposition growing to Iowa bill making many 911 calls secret

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Civil rights groups, media advocates and some lawmakers are opposing an Iowa bill that would end public access to many 911 calls, a broadly-worded measure that also could shield some police videos.

The bill declares that 911 calls involving injured people are confidential "medical records" and exempt from Iowa's open records law. The secrecy would apply to audio and video "not limited to" the call recordings themselves, a clause that critics fear could apply to videos documenting the aftermath of officer-involved shootings. Calls made by minors under the age of 18 or about minors would also become secret.

The bill passed the Iowa House unanimously with little debate, with backers saying it would protect medical privacy and the privacy of children. But a chorus of opposition has emerged as the Senate considers whether to schedule it for a vote, the final approval needed before going to Gov. Terry Branstad.

While states often debate which 911 calls should be public records, the sweeping Iowa measure appears rare. 

One organization that tracks state legislation said the ambiguous wording could be interpreted to include cameras and microphones attached to officers' uniforms and cars.

"This is, to my knowledge, a very unique definition of a medical record," said Nancy La Vigne, director of the Justice Policy Center at the Urban Institute. "And one that could have some unintended consequences that could limit transparency and accountability of police."

Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, defended the language last week. He said it was intended to shield "anything that would be linked with audio or video of that medical call," including video from body cameras and security cameras at dispatch centers.

"We have an obligation to our constituents to make sure we're protecting their medical information," he said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix's office said it's still evaluating whether to pursue the bill. Branstad's spokesman was noncommittal on whether he'd sign it.