Iowa House action will be streamed on Internet

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Proceedings in the Iowa House will be streamed live over the Internet when lawmakers begin the legislative session next month.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says six high-definition cameras have been placed in the chamber, offering people direct access to debate.

Paulsen, a Republican from Hiawatha, called it “an openness, transparency issue.”

The Gazette newspaper reports the initial cost of the new service was about $130,000.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Democrat from Council Bluffs, says there are no plans for a similar move in the Senate because of lighting and other issues. He says it may be considered in the future.

The session begins Jan. 9.