ARC 0689D

ARC 0689D

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, IOWA[751]

Adopted and Filed

Rulemaking related to access to facilities

    The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) hereby rescinds Chapter 14, “Access to Facilities,” Iowa Administrative Code, and adopts a new Chapter 14 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is adopted under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 8D.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 8D and Executive Order 10.

Purpose and Summary

    The chapter describes the integrity, security, and reliability of the network by regulating access to network infrastructure or operated facilities, including network hubs, regeneration sites, and equipment rooms. This chapter was reviewed pursuant to Executive Order 10. As a result, the ICN removed redundant and obsolete language and provides clearer guidance on access to facilities.

Public Comment and Changes to Rulemaking

    Notice of Intended Action for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on September 2, 2026, as ARC 0509D. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   September 30, 2026

     ?   October 1, 2026

    No one attended the public hearings. No public comments were received. No changes from the Notice have been made.

Adoption of Rulemaking

    This rulemaking was adopted by the ICN Executive Director on October 7, 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 ICN for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 751—Chapter 2504.

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).

Effective Date

    This rulemaking will become effective on December 2, 2026.

    The following rulemaking action is adopted:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 751—Chapter 14 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 14

ACCESS TO FACILITIES

751—14.1(8D) Purpose and scope. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the integrity, security, and reliability of the network by regulating access to commission-owned or operated facilities, including network hubs, regeneration sites, and equipment rooms.

751—14.2(8D) Authorized access. Access to commission facilities is restricted to:

    14.2(1) Commission employees and agents acting within the scope of their employment.

    14.2(2) Authorized vendors and contractors who have a valid contract or service agreement with the commission.

    14.2(3) Colocation partners as defined in a written colocation agreement.

    14.2(4) Emergency response personnel.

751—14.3(8D) Security procedures.

    14.3(1) Credentials. All individuals entering a commission facility must possess valid identification and commission-issued credentials (key card, key, or access code). Credentials are nontransferable and shall not be shared or loaned.

    14.3(2) Background checks. The commission reserves the right to require criminal history background checks for any nonemployee requesting access to critical infrastructure.

    14.3(3) Logs. All entry and exit from commission facilities shall be logged. Use of a monitored electronic access control system satisfies this requirement.

751—14.4(8D) Vendor and colocation access.

    14.4(1) Authorization. In support of the commission, third-party vendors and colocation partners may be granted access to specific facilities for the installation, maintenance, or removal of their equipment.

    14.4(2) Liability. Any vendor or colocation partner entering a commission facility assumes full liability for any damage caused to the network, the facility, or the equipment of other tenants by the vendor’s or colocation partner’s employees or agents.

    14.4(3) Revocation. The commission may immediately revoke access privileges for any individual who violates security protocols or endangers the network.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 8D.3.

[Filed 10/7/26, effective 12/2/26]

[Published 10/28/26]

EDITOR’S NOTE: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 10/28/26.