ARC 0601D

ARC 0601D

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY[261]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to Iowa scholarship for the arts
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Economic Development Authority (Authority) hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 308, “Iowa Arts Council Scholarship for the Arts,” and to adopt a new Chapter 308, “Iowa Scholarship for the Arts,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 15.106A(1)“m” and 17A.7(3).

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 15.106A(1)“m” and 15.436.

Purpose and Summary

    Pursuant to Executive Order 10, the Authority proposes to rescind Chapter 308 and adopt a new chapter in lieu thereof. This proposed chapter describes the Iowa Scholarship for the Arts Program (program). The program provides scholarships for high school seniors enrolled in arts-related areas of study at Iowa colleges or universities.

    This proposed chapter implements consolidation of arts appropriations and programs in 2025 Iowa Acts, House File 975. The legislation authorized creation of an Arts and Culture Enhancement Fund that will be utilized for broad purposes related to the arts, including the program.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 10, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   June 30, 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 Authority 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 Authority no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 8, 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 Authority 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 261—Chapter 308 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 308

IOWA SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE ARTS

261—308.1(15) Purpose. The Iowa scholarship for the arts program (program) supports the development of outstanding high school seniors who excel in the arts and are enrolled in accredited educational programs leading to careers in the arts. A limited number of scholarships are awarded annually to selected students for undergraduate tuition and related expenses to attend an Iowa college or university.

261—308.2(15) Definitions. The definitions listed in 261—Chapter 305 shall apply to terms as they are used throughout this chapter.

261—308.3(15) Eligibility. Notwithstanding rule 261—305.4(15), eligibility for the program shall be determined solely in accordance with this chapter. Eligible applicants will meet the following criteria:

    308.3(1) Be enrolled at the senior class level in an Iowa high school and display proven artistic ability in one or more of the following areas of study: music, dance, visual arts, theatre, folklife, or literature.

    308.3(2) Be accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at a fully accredited Iowa college or university majoring in one or more of the following areas of study: music, dance, visual arts, theatre, folklife, or literature.

261—308.4(15) Application, review and selection process. The application, review, and selection process for the program is governed by this chapter and not by rule 261—305.5(15).

    308.4(1) Applicants will be required to submit an application in the form and content prescribed by the authority. Applications will be reviewed by authority staff to confirm eligibility. Applications determined to be eligible will be forwarded to an advisory panel. The advisory panel will evaluate eligible applications in accordance with criteria established by the authority and identify and recommend finalists to the authority.

    308.4(2) Finalist applicants, at their own expense, will be required to attend an interview with an advisory panel.

    308.4(3) Applications recommended by an advisory panel for funding consideration will be submitted to the director for consideration and approval. Recommendations by an advisory panel are advisory, and final funding authority rests with the director or the director’s designee.

261—308.5(15) Disbursement. Recipients will be required to confirm enrollment at an Iowa college or university prior to disbursement of scholarship funds. Disbursement will be made directly to the recipient’s Iowa college or university.

261—308.6(15) Obligation of recipients. Recipients shall inform the authority of any change in address or school enrollment.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 15.436.