ARC 0552D

ARC 0552D

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT[281]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to general accreditation standards
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The State Board of Education hereby proposes to amend Chapter 12, “General Accreditation Standards,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 256.7 and 256.11.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 256.11 and 279.80.

Purpose and Summary

    Following appellate decisions allowing 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 496, to take effect (e.g., Iowa Safe Schools v. Reynolds, 172 F.4th 589 (8th Cir. 2026)), this proposed rulemaking provides further clarity in enforcement.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on July 22, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   August 11, 2026

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 Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 22, 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 Department 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.  Adopt the following new subparagraph 12.3(10)“c”(5):

    (5)  In any complaint about library material, a complainant must inform the department of the specific title, the specific page (or means of locating information in nonprint materials), and the nature of the content alleged to be in violation of this paragraph.

    ITEM 2.  Adopt the following new paragraph 12.3(15)“d”:

    d.  This subrule applies only to mandatory portions of a district’s curriculum.