ARC 9969C

ARC 9969C

RECORDS COMMISSION[671]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to development process for government information policies, standards, and guidelines and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Records Commission hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 4, “Temporary Records—Transfer and Storage Process”; to adopt a new Chapter 4, “Development Process for Government Information Policies, Standards, and Guidelines”; and to rescind Chapter 14, “Development Process for Government Information Policies, Standards and Guidelines,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 8A.104(5) and 8A.608(1)“d.”

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 8A.601 through 8A.615.

Purpose and Summary

    This proposed rulemaking is intended to provide a framework for development of information policies, standards, and guidelines, which are implemented by the Records Commission for State agencies and the Legislature. The rulemaking includes updated language pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 10. They also reflect the fact the Commission is now under the purview of the Department of Administrative Services through the State Government Alignment Act, 2023 Iowa Acts, Senate File 514, which has since been codified in Iowa Code chapter 8A.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 29, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   November 19, 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

    The Department will not grant waivers under the provisions of these rules, other than as may be allowed under Chapter 9 of the Department’s rules concerning waivers.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 10, 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 671—Chapter 4 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 4

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR GOVERNMENT
INFORMATION POLICIES, STANDARDS, AND GUIDELINES

671—4.1(8A) Proposal of government information policies, standards, and guidelines. An agency staff member or a member of the public may propose a topic to be developed into a government information policy, standard, or guideline by contacting the state records commission through the state archives and records bureau. A proposal may include a draft government information policy, standard, or guideline.

671—4.2(8A) Commission responsibilities.

    4.2(1) In accordance with Iowa Code section 8A.608, the commission shall:

    a.  Develop such government information policies, standards, and guidelines as it deems appropriate;

    b.  Prior to final adoption, solicit agency participation in the review of government information policies, standards and guidelines;

    c.  Draft and file administrative rules in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 17A for all government information policies and standards; and

    d.  Include all government information guidelines in the state records manual.

    4.2(2) The commission may:

    a.  Appoint advisory committees to research and analyze issues related to government information policies, standards, and guidelines; and

    b.  Prior to final adoption, solicit public participation in the review of government information policies, standards and guidelines.

671—4.3(8A) State archives and records bureau responsibilities. The state archives and records bureau shall provide administrative support to advisory committees appointed by the commission.

671—4.4(8A) Agency responsibilities.

    4.4(1) An agency shall be in substantial compliance with government information policies and standards adopted by the commission.

    4.4(2) An agency may utilize government information guidelines adopted by the commission as the agency implements the government records program within the agency.

671—4.5(8A) Advisory committees.

    4.5(1) Advisory committees of the state records commission may:

    a.  Make recommendations to the state records commission.

    b.  Consist of public members and agency staff members. No more than three members of the state records commission may be members of any advisory committee.

    4.5(2) Individuals may volunteer to serve on advisory committees of the state records commission by submitting a letter of application to the state archives and records bureau along with a résumé stating areas of interest and expertise.

    4.5(3) The state archives and records bureau will maintain the applications of individuals who volunteer to serve as members of advisory committees of the state records commission for a two-year period following receipt of the letter of application.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 8A.601 through 8A.615.

    ITEM 2.  Rescind and reserve 671—Chapter 14.