ARC 0088D

ARC 0088D

INSPECTIONS AND APPEALS DEPARTMENT[481]

Adopted and Filed Emergency

Rulemaking related to bingo location

    The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing hereby amends Chapter 103, “Bingo,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is adopted under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 99B.2.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 99B.21 and Executive Order 10.

Purpose and Summary

    This rulemaking rescinds numbered paragraph “3” of rule 481—103.9(99B), which excessively limits the location where bingo occasions can be held, and renumbers numbered paragraph “4” accordingly.

Reason for Adoption of Rulemaking Without
Prior Notice and Opportunity for Public Participation

    Pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.4(3), the Department finds that notice and public participation are unnecessary or impractical because emergency adoption was approved by Administrative Rules Review Committee.

    In compliance with Iowa Code section 17A.4(3)“a,” the Administrative Rules Review Committee at its February 9, 2026, meeting reviewed the Department’s determination and this rulemaking and approved the emergency adoption.

Reason for Waiver of Normal Effective Date

    Pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.5(2)“b”(1)(b), the Department also finds that the normal effective date of this rulemaking, 35 days after publication, should be waived and the rulemaking made effective on February 12, 2026, because the rulemaking removes an overly restrictive requirement for bingo locations.

Adoption of Rulemaking

    This rulemaking was adopted by the Department on February 10, 2026.

Concurrent Publication of Notice of Intended Action

    In addition to its adoption on an emergency basis, this rulemaking has been initiated through the normal rulemaking process and is published herein under Notice of Intended Action as ARC 0087D to allow for public comment.

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

Effective Date

    This rulemaking became effective on February 12, 2026.

    The following rulemaking action is adopted:

    ITEM 1.  Amend rule 481—103.9(99B) as follows:

481—103.9(99B) Location. Bingo occasions may be conducted on premises as provided in Iowa Code section 99B.13 and shall meet the following criteria:

    1.   All buildings in which bingo occasions are conducted will meet state or local standards for occupancy and safety.

    2.   The name of the licensee will be posted on the sign of each building or location where bingo occasions are held. A name that is closely associated with the licensee and clearly identifies the lawful uses of the proceeds may also be used. Generic names, such as “Nelson Street Bingo” or “Uncle Bob’s Bingo,” will not be used.

    3.   During a bingo occasion, the lessor will not sell any beverage, food, or other merchandise in the room in which bingo is played.

    4.   Only one licensed qualified organization may conduct bingo occasions within the same structure or building.

    3.       3.   Only one licensed qualified organization may conduct bingo occasions within the same structure or building.

[Filed Emergency 2/10/26, effective 2/12/26]

[Published 3/4/26]

EDITOR’S NOTE: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 3/4/26.