ARC 4962C

ARC 4962C

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY[261]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rule making related to welcome center program

and providing an opportunity for public comment

The Economic Development Authority hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 34, "Welcome Center Program," Iowa Administrative Code and to adopt a new Chapter 34 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rule Making

This rule making is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 15.106A.

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rule making implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 15.271 and 15.272.

Purpose and Summary

2019 Iowa Acts, House File 303, made significant updates to the Authority's Welcome Center Program. This legislation removed outdated references to a statewide long-range plan and pilot program, which no longer exist. The proposed amendment rescinds the existing rules relating to the pilot program and replaces the chapter with more general information about the purpose of welcome centers, which is to provide travel-related services and tourism information to travelers throughout the state.

Fiscal Impact

This rule making has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

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

Waivers

Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rule making would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Authority for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 261—Chapter 199.

Public Comment

Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rule making. Written or oral comments in response to this rule making must be received by the Authority no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2020. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

No public hearing is scheduled at this time. As provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b," an oral presentation regarding this rule making may be demanded by 25 interested persons, a governmental subdivision, the Administrative Rules Review Committee, an agency, or an association having 25 or more members.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rule making by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rule making 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 rule-making action is proposed:

Rescind 261—Chapter 34 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 34

WELCOME CENTER PROGRAM

261—34.1(15) Purpose. The primary goal of a statewide program for welcome centers is to provide travel-related services and tourism information to travelers. A program is established to maintain a variety of welcome centers at strategic locations to meet the needs of travelers in the state.

261—34.2(15) Welcome center program. The economic development authority shall establish and administer a statewide welcome center program.

34.2(1) Collaboration with state agencies. The authority shall collaborate with other state agencies as necessary to coordinate the operation of such welcome centers and to provide information to travelers.

34.2(2) Operation. The authority shall operate, manage, and maintain all state-owned and state-operated welcome centers, including the provision of travel-related services and the collection and distribution of tourism information.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 15.271 and 15.272.