ARC 9941C

ARC 9941C

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to child care resource and referral services
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Health and Human Services hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 159, “Child Care Resource and Referral Services,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 237A.26.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 237A.26.

Purpose and Summary

    Existing Chapter 159 sets forth guidelines for processing and awarding child care resource and referral services grants. Upon review, it was determined that the Department did not have explicit rulemaking authority and that the grant funds could be disbursed through the contracting process without being in the Iowa Administrative Code. Therefore, the Department proposes to rescind Chapter 159.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on November 26, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   December 16, 2025

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 441—Chapter 6.

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 January 27, 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 and reserve 441—Chapter 159.