ARC 0439D

ARC 0439D

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT[281]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to extracurricular interscholastic competition
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The State Board of Education hereby proposes to amend Chapter 36, “Extracurricular Interscholastic Competition,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2591 as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2800.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2591 as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2800.

Purpose and Summary

    This proposed rulemaking implements changes to rules on interscholastic athletics by expanding the ability of eighth-grade students to compete on high school teams and by changing how periods of ineligibility due to transfers or open enrollment transfers are calculated. This proposed rulemaking also makes a clarifying amendment to the physical examination requirement to account for the potential participation of eighth-grade students at the high school level.

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 State Board for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 7—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the State Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

     Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the State Board and advise of specific needs.

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).

Emergency Rulemaking Adopted by Reference

    This proposed rulemaking is also published herein as an Adopted and Filed Emergency rulemaking (see ARC 0438D, IAB 7/22/26). The purpose of this Notice of Intended Action is to solicit public comment on that emergency rulemaking, whose subject matter is hereby adopted by reference.