ARC 0523D

ARC 0523D

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY[501]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to endorsements
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 5, “Approved Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility,” and to adopt a new Chapter 5, “Endorsements,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapters 17A, 80B and 80D.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapters 80B and 80D.

Purpose and Summary

    Proposed Chapter 5 describes the practical skill endorsements, content endorsements, and other endorsements that the Academy Council will issue to eligible law enforcement officers, reserve officers, jail administrators, jailers, public safety telecommunicators, Academy staff instructors, and other professional partners who meet the qualifications for the endorsement. As a part of the Red Tape Review required by Executive Order 10, this chapter was reviewed and revised. The former content from this chapter is proposed to be reorganized in a revised 501—Chapter 8 in ARC 0525D herein.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 24, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   July 14, 2026

    No public comments were received.

    A change from the Regulatory Analysis has been made in subrule 5.16(1) to clarify that the description for good standing is only applicable to endorsements. Rules 501—5.11(80B,80D) and 501—5.15(80B,80D) were revised to resolve a misplaced phrase.

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

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Council no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 22, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a 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 a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Council 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).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 501—Chapter 5 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 5

ENDORSEMENTS

PRACTICAL SKILLS INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS

501—5.1(80B,80D) Practical skills instructor endorsements. All individuals providing practical instruction at the academy or through approved local and area schools and regional training centers will have the necessary practical instructor endorsement as determined by the director.

    5.1(1) Academy staff instructor endorsement. Academy staff instructors are eligible for endorsements in the areas of instruction for which they are qualified.

    5.1(2) Practical skills instructor endorsement level I. Certified Iowa law enforcement officers are eligible for specialty endorsements for firearms, rifle, standard field sobriety testing, driving, RADAR/LiDAR, and bicycle.

    5.1(3) Practical skills instructor endorsement level II. Certified Iowa law enforcement officers, Iowa correctional officers, Iowa jailers, and Iowa jail administrators are eligible for endorsements for defensive tactics and chemical spray.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.2(80B,80D) Minimum qualifications for practical skills instructor endorsements.

    5.2(1) Academy staff instructors. Academy staff instructors will meet the minimum experience and training for each endorsement area except active employment by a law enforcement agency.

    5.2(2) Practical skills instructor endorsements level I. Minimum experience and training includes:

    a.  Three years of experience as a certified law enforcement officer with specialized knowledge or skill in the subject area to be instructed;

    b.  Being actively employed in good standing by an Iowa law enforcement agency, the Iowa department of corrections, or a council-approved regional training center; and

    c.  Successful completion of the applicable endorsement training course, including instructor development.

    5.2(3) Practical skills instructor endorsements level II. Minimum experience and training includes:

    a.  Three years of experience as a certified law enforcement officer or three years post-basic training course with specialized knowledge or skill in the subject area to be instructed;

    b.  Being actively employed in good standing by an Iowa law enforcement agency, the Iowa department of corrections, or a council-approved regional training center; and

    c.  Successful completion of the applicable endorsement training course, including instructor development.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.3(80B,80D) Prerequisites for practical skills instructor endorsements. The following prerequisites will be met before enrollment in a practical skills instructor endorsement course.

    5.3(1) Firearms instructor endorsement. A qualification score of at least 90 percent on an academy-approved course of fire in the last 12 months.

    5.3(2) Rifle instructor endorsement. An endorsement as a firearms instructor that must be maintained to retain a rifle instructor endorsement and a qualification score of at least 90 percent on an academy-approved course of fire in the last 12 months.

    5.3(3) Defensive tactics instructor endorsement. Iowa correctional officers, Iowa jailers, and Iowa jail administrators will provide documentation of 36 hours of training in defensive tactics from an active instructor with a defensive tactics instructor endorsement.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.4(17A,80B,80D) Award of practical skills instructor endorsements.

    5.4(1) Awarding of endorsement. Applicants meeting all minimum qualifications may register for a practical skills instructor endorsement training course. The practical skills instructor endorsement will be awarded upon the successful completion of the instructor endorsement course.

    5.4(2) Denial of endorsement. If an applicant fails to earn a practical skills instructor endorsement after completion of the instructor endorsement course and any allowed remediation, the applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the council within 30 days of the denial as set forth in rule 7—2506.4(17A). A hearing will be held by the council within 90 days of the receipt of the appeal.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.12, 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.5(80B,80D) Practical skills instructor endorsement period. All endorsements will be issued through the end of the third calendar year. An endorsement may be renewed if an applicant is actively employed by an Iowa law enforcement agency, the Iowa department of corrections, or a council-approved regional training center; remains in good standing; and successfully completes the applicable instructor renewal course prior to the expiration of the endorsement. Failure to renew prior to expiration will require an applicant to earn a new endorsement.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

CONTENT INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS

501—5.6(80B,80D) Content instructor endorsements. Certified law enforcement officers, jailers, jail administrators, public safety telecommunicators, or other individuals providing instruction at the academy or through approved local or area schools, regional training centers, or a basic training course on subjects requiring a specialized academic degree, training, licensure, or experience will have the necessary instructor endorsement as determined by the director, subject to council approval.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“j” and “k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.7(80B,80D) Minimum qualifications for content instructor endorsements. Minimum experience by profession includes successful completion of an instructor development course through the academy and the following:

    5.7(1) Certified law enforcement officer. Three years of certified experience, aptitude or experience in the subject area to be instructed, and confirmation from the academy or a current license or training entity endorsement, if relevant.

    5.7(2) Jail administrator or jailer. Three years of experience post completion of the basic training course, aptitude or experience in the subject area to be instructed, and confirmation from the academy or a current license or training entity endorsement, if relevant.

    5.7(3) Public safety telecommunicator. Three years of experience post completion of the basic training course and aptitude or experience in the subject area to be instructed.

    5.7(4) Professionals. Successful completion of relevant training or at least a baccalaureate degree in the subject area or a related field unless further education is required; confirmation by the academy of a current license or certification in the subject area; and appropriate reputation, conduct, stability and ability.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“j” and “k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.8(80B,80D) Prerequisites for certain content instructor endorsements. The following prerequisites will be met before the award of a content instructor endorsement in the following subject areas:

    5.8(1) Arson and bombing content instructor endorsement. Completion of a specialty school in police/military explosives handling and a recognized arson school.

    5.8(2) Collision investigation content instructor endorsement. Completion of a two-week collision investigation school at the academy or an equivalent training approved by the academy.

    5.8(3) Fingerprint content instructor endorsement. Completion of the basic and advanced Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint schools or an equivalent training approved by the academy.

    5.8(4) Drug recognition content instructor endorsement. Identified as an instructor in the Iowa drug recognition experts and instructor directory.

    5.8(5) Evidentiary breath testing device content instructor endorsement. Completion of a training program that results in trainer designation in the technology to be taught in the course.

    5.8(6) Tactical medicine instructor endorsement. Completion of a course in tactical medicine approved by the academy or maintenance of a current emergency medical care provider or higher level of medical certification.

    5.8(7) Less lethal instructor endorsement. Completion of a course approved by the academy in less lethal training.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“j” and “k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.9(17A,80B,80D) Application for content instructor endorsement. Applicants seeking a content instructor endorsement(s) will submit an application to the council.

    5.9(1) Granting of endorsement. Approval for a content instructor endorsement will be granted at the discretion of the council and evaluated on meeting minimum education, background, training, and experience.

    5.9(2) Denial of endorsement. If the council denies an application for a content instructor endorsement, the applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the council within 30 days of the denial as set forth in rule 7—2506.4(17A). A hearing will be held by the council within 90 days of the receipt of the appeal.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.12, 80B.11(1)“j” and “k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

501—5.10(80B,80D) Content instructor endorsement period. All endorsements will be issued for a period of three years. An endorsement may be renewed if an applicant remains in good standing; completes a one-hour, in-person or online instructor development course; and submits a renewal application to the council. Failure to renew prior to expiration will require an applicant to earn a new endorsement.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“j” and “k,” 80B.11A, and 80D.4A.

OTHER ENDORSEMENTS

501—5.11(80B,80D) Other endorsements. Other endorsements include the following.

    5.11(1) Salvage theft examiner endorsement. The endorsement for certified Iowa law enforcement officers performing salvage theft examinations.

    5.11(2) H.R. 218 qualification endorsement. The endorsement for federal law enforcement agents or officers performing H.R. 218 qualifications for retired qualified law enforcement officers.

    5.11(3) Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)/H.R. 218 endorsement. The endorsement for retired qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”

501—5.12(80B,80D) Minimum qualifications for other endorsements.

    5.12(1) Salvage theft examiner endorsement. Minimum qualifications include certification as a law enforcement officer employed by an agency participating in the salvage vehicle theft examination program.

    5.12(2) H.R. 218 qualification endorsement. Minimum qualifications include having an academy firearms instructor endorsement or active approval as a firearms instructor from a federal law enforcement agency or the federal law enforcement training center.

    5.12(3) LEOSA/H.R. 218 endorsement. Minimum qualifications include a signed academy questionnaire and successful completion of the academy qualification course.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”

501—5.13(80B,80D) Award of other endorsements.

    5.13(1) Salvage theft examiner endorsement. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the endorsements may register for an approved salvage vehicle theft examination training course. The endorsement will be awarded upon the successful completion of the course.

    5.13(2) H.R. 218 qualification endorsement. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will receive the endorsement upon confirmation by the academy.

    5.13(3) LEOSA/H.R. 218 endorsement. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will receive the endorsement upon the presentation of an approved academy questionnaire and successful completion of the academy qualification course.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”

501—5.14(17A,80B,80D) Denial of other endorsements. If an applicant fails to earn an endorsement for which they meet minimum qualifications and have successfully completed all requirements, the applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the council within 30 days of the denial as set forth in rule 7—2506.4(17A). A hearing will be held by the council within 90 days of the receipt of the appeal.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.12, 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”

501—5.15(80B,80D) Other endorsement period.

    5.15(1) Salvage theft examiner endorsement.

    a.  The endorsement will be issued for a period of three years.

    b.  An endorsement may be renewed if an applicant remains in good standing and successfully completes an approved four-hour salvage vehicle theft refresher course prior to expiration of the endorsement. Failure to renew prior to expiration will require an applicant to earn a new endorsement.

    5.15(2) H.R. 218 qualification endorsement.

    a.  The endorsement will be issued for a corresponding time period as the active firearms instructor approval or a maximum period of three years.

    b.  An endorsement may be renewed if an applicant remains in good standing and submits documentation of active firearms instructor approval prior to expiration of the endorsement.

    5.15(3) LEOSA/H.R. 218. The endorsement will be issued for a period of one year.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”

ALL ENDORSEMENTS

501—5.16(17A,80B,80D) Revocation or suspension of any endorsement. Any endorsement may be revoked or suspended in writing at the discretion of the council or director, subject to subsequent council approval. The individual may file a written notice of appeal to the council within 30 days of the revocation or suspension as set forth in rule 7—2506.4(17A). A hearing will be held by the council within 90 days of the receipt of the appeal.

    5.16(1) Good standing. Good standing determination is at the sole discretion of the council or director, subject to subsequent council approval. A person who has been dismissed for good cause from previous employment; who leaves, voluntarily quits, or whose position is eliminated when disciplinary action was imminent or pending that could have resulted in removal for good cause; who has had a probable cause finding in the disciplinary process; who has engaged in dishonorable conduct; or who has been disciplined for a concern involving the subject area of the endorsement is not considered to be in good standing for purposes of this chapter.

    5.16(2) Responsibility for areas of instruction and proper endorsement. It is the personal responsibility of the instructor to ensure that the instructor is only providing instruction for topics that the instructor is endorsed to instruct. Failure to adhere to this provision is a basis for revocation or suspension of instructor endorsements.

    5.16(3) Contested cases. If the revocation or suspension of an endorsement relates to a contested case, the matters will be heard together.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.12, 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80D.4A, and 321.52(4)“d.”