ARC 2399C

ARC 2399C

VETERANS AFFAIRS, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF[801]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b."

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 35A.13, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 14, "Veterans Trust Fund," Iowa Administrative Code.

The rules in Chapter 14 describe eligibility and procedures for the Veterans Trust Fund. Because of the increased popularity of and need for Honor Guard services, the proposed amendment increases the amount available for Honor Guard reimbursement from $500 to $1000.

Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment on or before March 8, 2016. Such written materials should be directed to Executive Director, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Camp Dodge, Bldg. #3465, 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131; by telephone (515)727-3443; or by fax (515)727-3713.

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not intend to grant waivers under the provisions of these rules other than as may be allowed under the Department's general rules regarding waivers.

After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code section 35A.13.

The following amendment is proposed.

Amend subrule 14.4(11) as follows:

14.4(11) Honor guard services.

a. The commission may reimburse veterans organizations for providing military funeral honors as follows:

(1)If a single veterans organization provides basic honors, $25.

(2)If a single veterans organization provides full honors, $50.

(3)If two or more veterans organizations participate in providing full honors and one of the organizations provides a firing detail, $50. The organizations may request that the commission split the reimbursement.

(4)If two or more veterans organizations participate in providing basic honors, $25. Payment shall be to one veterans organization, as determined by the commission.

b. Notwithstanding paragraph 14.4(11)"a," the commission shall not reimburse a veterans organization if federal funding is available to reimburse the veterans organization for providing military funeral honors. The veterans organization shall request reimbursement from federal sources. If a veterans organization receives federal funding for providing military funeral honors at the reimbursement rate of one funeral per day, the department shall reimburse the organization for the provision of military funeral honors at any additional funerals on that day.

c. The maximum amount of aid payable in a calendar year under this subrule to a veterans organization is $500 $1000.

d. Veterans service organizations that are not currently providing honor guard services may apply for a $500, up-front grant, for the use of creating a new honor guard within their organization. Applicants must present the commission with an estimated cost for purchasing uniforms and firearms for providing military honors and an estimated number of members who will be available to perform honor guard services. Organizations should also provide information regarding how they plan to pay for additional expenses that may occur outside of trust fund assistance. Applicants will be eligible for reimbursements under paragraphs 14.4(11)"a" to "c" 12 months after the receipt of their original $500 grant.