This bill amends the Iowa Code to create a more structured process for the ratification of major administrative rules within the executive branch. It introduces a new definition of "major rule," which encompasses rules that entail significant financial expenditures, adversely impact competition or employment, or modify the state implementation plan under the federal Clean Air Act. Agencies are required to provide detailed notices of intended actions, including the text of proposed rules, their economic impacts, and classifications indicating whether they are major rules. Additionally, a legislative regulatory analysis for major rules must be conducted by the legislative services agency and published for review. Importantly, major rules cannot take effect without ratification by the general assembly, although temporary approval can be sought from the legislative council under specific circumstances.

The bill also modifies the terms of service for various appointed boards, reducing the term length from six years to four years for members appointed on or after July 1, 2026. This change affects several boards, including the Iowa finance authority and the state board of education. Furthermore, it mandates that rulemaking documents include comprehensive information about the agency's regulatory actions and assessments of costs and benefits. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance transparency, oversight, and accountability in the rulemaking process while streamlining the terms of service for board members.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17A.2, 17A.4, 17A.4A, 17A.5, 17A.8, 16.2, 16.2C, 52.4, 69.19, 256.3, 262.2