ARC 0525D

ARC 0525D

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY[501]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to local schools, area schools, and regional training centers and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 8, “Mandatory In-Service and Specialty Training Requirements,” and to adopt a new Chapter 8, “Local Schools, Area Schools, and Regional Training Centers,” 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 8 replaces prior content that is proposed to be reorganized in 501—Chapter 4 in ARC 0522D herein and describes the general provisions, application processes, and responsibilities for local schools, area schools, and regional training centers. As a part of the Red Tape Review required by Executive Order 10, this chapter was reviewed and revised.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on July 8, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   July 29, 2026

    No public comments were received. Subrule 8.7(3) was amended to replace an undefined term.

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 30, 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 8 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 8

LOCAL SCHOOLS, AREA SCHOOLS, AND REGIONAL TRAINING CENTERS

501—8.1(80B,80D) General provisions.

    8.1(1) General standards. All aspects of the local school, area school, or regional training center will be in compliance with these rules before any request from a school or regional training center is eligible for consideration.

    8.1(2) Course approval. Each scheduled course will be approved by the council prior to the start of instruction.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“a” and “k,”  80B.13(1), 80B.13(5), and 80D.4A.

501—8.2(17A,80B) Application for approval of local school for jailers.

    8.2(1) Application. Applications for a local school for jailers will be accepted when a fully completed application is submitted to the council on the approved form.

    8.2(2) Evaluation considerations. The council will consider standardization of training, academic qualifications (including but not limited to training schedule, curriculum, structure, instructor credentials, and experience), facilities and equipment, and any other relevant factors. 

    8.2(3) Denial. The council will issue a written decision if the application for the local school for jailers is denied within 90 days of receipt of the application.

    8.2(4) Appeal. If the council denies an application for a local school for jailers, a written appeal may be filed according to rule 7—2506.28(17A) or Iowa Code section 17A.19.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.19, 80B.11(1)“k,”  80B.11A, 80B.13(1), and 80B.13(5).

501—8.3(17A,80B) Application for approval of area school for jailers.

    8.3(1) Application. Applications for an area school for jailers will be accepted when a fully completed application is submitted to the council on the approved form.

    8.3(2) On-site inspection. An inspection of a proposed area school may be conducted by designated members of the council, with or without advance notice to the school. Any visit will include inspection of facilities, equipment, training procedures, instructional materials, and program materials and discussion of the proposed training philosophy with key personnel.

    8.3(3) Informal hearing. An application for an area school will be heard by the council within 90 days of the facility inspection or receipt of the complete application, whichever is later. The provisions in Iowa Code chapter 17A concerning contested cases are not applicable to the informal hearing on the application. 

    8.3(4) Evaluation considerations. The council will consider the organization of the area school, standardization of training, academic qualifications (including but not limited to training schedule, curriculum, structure, instructor credentials, and experience), facilities and equipment, and any other relevant factors. 

    8.3(5) Written decision. The council will issue a written decision approving or denying the application for an area school for jailers within 90 days of the informal hearing.

    8.3(6) Appeal. A denial may be appealed under Iowa Code section 17A.19.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.19, 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80B.13(1), and 80B.13(5).

501—8.4(80B) Responsibilities of local and area schools for jailers after approval.

    8.4(1) Certificate of completion. Documentation of completed hours and scores for all attendees will be submitted to the academy within five days of the award of certificates of completion.

    8.4(2) Facility visits. Facility visits may be conducted at a local or area school by council designees, with or without advance notice to the school. Visits will include inspections of facilities, equipment, training procedures, instructional materials, and program materials and discussion of training philosophy with key personnel. Findings will be reported to the council.

    8.4(3) Notice of deficiency. The council will issue a notice of deficiency to a local or area school for any documented area of deficiency and request a plan for correction of the deficiencies. Failure to correct noted deficiencies according to a plan approved by the council may impact eligibility for consideration of future applications.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“k,” 80B.11A, 80B.13(1), and 80B.13(5).

501—8.5(17A,80B,80D) Preliminary application for approval of new regional training center.

    8.5(1) Preliminary application. Preliminary applications for approval of a new regional training center will be accepted when a fully completed preliminary application is submitted to the council on the approved form. The preliminary application will include a feasibility study that demonstrates the proposed regional training center’s potential for success, the need for a new center, and that its implementation will not create an operational burden for academy staff.

    8.5(2) Preliminary application hearing. An informal hearing will be heard by the council within 60 days of the receipt of the fully completed preliminary application. The provisions of Iowa Code chapter 17A concerning contested cases are not applicable to the informal hearing on the preliminary application.

    8.5(3) Evaluation considerations. The council will consider anticipated annual and five-year enrollment for the program, collaboration the center has with law enforcement agencies, any special need for the center in the state, information regarding program saturation, and any other relevant factors. The council will also consider a regional training center’s willingness to coordinate with the academy and the impact a new center would have on the academy’s resources.

    8.5(4) Denial. The council will issue a written decision if the preliminary application for the new regional training center is denied within 90 days of an informal hearing.

    8.5(5) Appeal. A denial may be appealed under Iowa Code section 17A.19.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.19, 80B.11(1)“a” and “k,” 80B.13(1), 80B.13(2), 80B.13(5), and 80D.4A.

501—8.6(17A,80B,80D) Application for approval of regional training center.

    8.6(1) Application. Upon approval of a preliminary application or at the time for renewal of regional training center approval, an application will be accepted when a fully completed application is submitted to council on the approved form. As of [the effective date of this rule], existing regional training centers will submit renewal applications on a schedule approved by the council.

    8.6(2) On-site inspection. An inspection of a proposed regional training center may be conducted by designated members of the council, with or without advance notice to the facility. The inspection will be conducted within 45 days of the council meeting following receipt of the application. The visit will include inspection of facilities, equipment, training procedures, instructional materials, and program materials and discussion of the proposed training philosophy with key personnel.

    8.6(3) Informal hearing. An application for approval or renewal of a regional training center will be heard by the council within 90 days of the facility inspection or receipt of the complete application, whichever is later. The provisions in Iowa Code chapter 17A concerning contested cases are not applicable to the informal hearing on the application.

    8.6(4) Evaluation considerations. The council will consider standardization of training, impact on existing training programs, academic qualifications (including but not limited to training schedule, curriculum, structure, handbooks, director/coordinator credentials and experience, and instructor credentials and experience), facilities and equipment, the on-site inspection report, financial qualifications, and any other relevant factors. The council will also consider a regional training center’s willingness to coordinate with the academy and will provide the director evidence of ongoing progress and successful completion for each recruit enrolled in the course on the academy’s approved form.

    8.6(5) Written decision. The council will issue a written decision approving or denying approval of the regional training center within 90 days of the informal hearing.

    8.6(6) Approval. Initial and subsequent regional training center approvals are valid for five years.

    8.6(7) Appeal. A denial may be appealed under Iowa Code section 17A.19.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.19, 80B.11(1)“a” and “k,” 80B.13(1), 80B.13(2), 80B.13(5), and 80D.4A.

501—8.7(80B,80D) Responsibilities of regional training centers after approval.

    8.7(1) Curriculum approval. Regional training facilities will submit a curriculum application for council approval prior to each specific course.

    8.7(2) Attendee approval. The academy approves eligibility for attendance at regional training centers.

    8.7(3) Physical readiness entrance test. A physical readiness entrance test will be conducted within 30 days prior to the start of a level I or level II training course.

    8.7(4) Final roster. A roster will be submitted to the academy five days prior to the physical readiness entrance test for the training course to determine the final roster.

    8.7(5) Recruit progress. Regional training centers will provide access to specific ongoing progress data and metrics of attendees to the academy through a designated platform.

    8.7(6) Award of certification or certificate of completion. Documentation of completed hours and scores for all attendees will be submitted to the academy for approval prior to the award of law enforcement certifications or certificates of completion.

    8.7(7) Coordinator visits.

    a.  Regional training center coordinators will visit the academy for one training day annually to observe training that includes at least two of the following:

    (1)  Instruction,

    (2)  Scenarios,

    (3)  Performance tasks, or

    (4)  Practical skills.

    b.  Coordinators will complete a training analysis form that will be shared with the council, the academy, and administrators for the regional training center.

    8.7(8) Annual meeting with council curriculum committee. Regional training center coordinators will attend an annual meeting with the council’s curriculum committee and the academy to ensure curriculum alignment. 

    8.7(9) Facility visits. At a minimum, annual facility visits will be conducted at each regional facility by designated members of the council, with or without advance notice to the facility. Visits will include inspections of facilities, equipment, training procedures, instructional materials, and program materials and discussion of training philosophy with key personnel. Findings will be reported to the council.

    8.7(10) Notice of concern. The council will issue a notice of concern to a regional training center for any documented area of concern and request a plan for correction. Failure to correct noted concerns according to a plan approved by the council may result in the issuance of a notice of intent to revoke approval.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 80B.11(1)“a” and “k,” 80B.11D, 80B.11E, 80B.11H, 80B.13(1), 80B.13(2), 80B.13(5), and 80D.4A.

501—8.8(17A,80B,80D) Revocation of approval.

    8.8(1) Notice of intent to revoke. The council may issue a notice of intent to revoke approval when it determines a regional training center is deficient.

    8.8(2) Notice of appeal. The regional training center may file a written notice of appeal to the council within 30 days of notification of the action. The appeal notice should be addressed consistent with the procedures set forth in rule 7—2506.4(17A).

    8.8(3) Hearing procedures. A contested case proceeding will be held before the council consistent with the procedures set forth in 7—Chapter 2506 and rule 501—2506.8(80B,80D). 

    8.8(4) Written decision. The council will issue a written decision within 90 days of the contested case hearing.

    8.8(5) Appeal. A revocation of approval of a regional training center may be appealed under Iowa Code section 17A.19.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 17A.12, 17A.19, 80B.11(1)“a” and “k,” 80B.13(1), 80B.13(2), 80B.13(5), and 80D.4A.