ARC 5088C

ARC 5088C

VOLUNTEER SERVICE, IOWA COMMISSION ON[817]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rule making related to mentor/mentee texting program and providing an opportunity for public comment

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service hereby proposes to amend Chapter 13, "Future Ready Iowa Volunteer Mentor Program," Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rule Making

This rule making is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 15H.10.

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rule making implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 15H.10.

Purpose and Summary

These proposed amendments are intended to incorporate and clarify inclusion of the texting program and allow for simplified enrollment in the program by students in rule 817—13.4(15H) and subrule 13.5(1).

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 Commission for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any.

Public Comment

Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rule making. Written comments in response to this rule making must be received by the Commission no later than 4:30 p.m.on August 4, 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 actions are proposed:

Item 1. Amend rule 817—13.4(15H) as follows:

817—13.4(15H) Mentor/mentee agreement. All volunteer mentors and student mentees matched with a volunteer mentor must complete and sign a written agreement issued by the commission as part of the program enrollment process. This does not include students receiving texting services only. Agreements will include expectations on regular communication, appropriate conduct, utilization of the online platform and participation in any training or resources offered to improve the efficacy of the mentor-mentee relationship. Failure by either party to adhere to the agreement may result in dismissal from the program.

Item 2. Amend subrule 13.5(1) as follows:

13.5(1) Mentor request process. Students may request a volunteer mentor through the commission's website or partner agencies, including through referrals from high schools and eligible institutions. Eligible institutions must collaborate in the facilitation of this subrule by providing information on the mentor request process to all students who meet the criteria of 2018 Iowa Acts, chapter 1067, sections 12 and 13. The Iowa college aid commission may enroll eligible students into the texting services whenever possible to facilitate overall student success and communication about career mentoring opportunities. Students may opt to not participate in the program.