ARC 0608D

ARC 0608D

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT[661]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to the department
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Public Safety hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 1, “The Department,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new Chapter 1 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 17A.3 and Executive Order 10.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 80 and section 17A.3.

Purpose and Summary

    Pursuant to Executive Order 10, the Department proposes to rescind Chapter 1 and adopt a new chapter in lieu thereof. The proposed chapter establishes how the Department is organized and where the offices are located, as well as how the public may make submissions or requests for information. This chapter also outlines the construction of the Department’s rules. 

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

    The Department received no comments.

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 Department 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 October 21, 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 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.  Rescind 661—Chapter 1 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 1

THE DEPARTMENT

661—1.1(17A) Organization. The department of public safety is administered by a commissioner who is appointed consistent with Iowa Code section 80.2. The duties of the department shall be allocated consistent with Iowa Code section 80.4.

661—1.2(17A) Offices.

    1.2(1) Office. The principal office for the department is that of the commissioner in the State Public Safety Headquarters Building in the Capitol Complex in Des Moines. Its mailing address is the Department of Public Safety, State Public Safety Headquarters Building, 215 East 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. The principal offices of the divisions of the department are also located in the State Public Safety Headquarters Building.

    1.2(2) Addresses of district headquarters, fire marshals, radio stations and other offices located outside the principal headquarters may be obtained at the department’s principal office.

661—1.3(17A) Methods by which and location where the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests. Persons wishing to obtain information from, report information to, or make submissions to the department may contact any of the offices in rule 661—1.2(17A).

661—1.4(17A) Construction of rules. All of the rules of the commissioner and the department are promulgated to describe the department and its procedure, to elaborate on or define some statutory language and to regulate some activities. Iowa Code chapter 4 is hereby adopted by reference so as to apply when construing these rules. When the words “statutes” or “general assembly” appear in Iowa Code chapter 4, it is intended the words “rules” and “commissioner” are to be inserted in lieu thereof. Iowa Code chapter 4 is adopted by reference at least so far as is applicable and not inconsistent with the intent of these rules or repugnant to the context of these rules.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 17A.3.