Major Iowa agency rules would need lawmakers’ and the governor’s approval

Major agency rules would generally need Iowa lawmakers’ and the governor’s approval before taking effect. A rule would count as major if it requires total spending by affected people and agencies of at least $200,000 annually or $1 million within five years, significantly harms jobs or other economic activity, or amends Iowa’s federal clean-air plan. Money expressly set aside by lawmakers would not count toward the spending thresholds. Between sessions, the governor could request temporary approval from the Legislative Council, a group of lawmakers, only if federal law, federal funding conditions, or a governor-declared disaster requires the rule then. This applies to rulemaking starting with an agency analysis published, or an emergency rule adopted, on or after July 1, 2027. Temporary approval expires when the next regular session ends unless lawmakers approve the rule.

Agencies would explain whether their rules count as major, and the Legislative Services Agency would publish reviews of rules classified as major. Reviews would cover costs to affected businesses and other groups, effects on state finances, and whether agencies followed the major-rule requirements. Agencies would explain related rule actions, costs and benefits, and the information behind their decisions. The legislative rules review committee would review proposed major rules before their earliest adoption date. Legislative staff would also review other rules at committee leaders’ request when resources are available. These duties apply to rulemaking starting with an agency analysis published, or an emergency rule adopted, on or after July 1, 2027.

Iowa would need lawmakers’ and the governor’s approval before sending proposed changes to its clean-air plan for federal approval. This covers proposed changes to Iowa’s plan under section 110 of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended through January 1, 1991. Lawmakers could approve a proposal through a joint resolution, a formal measure that also needs the governor’s approval.

People harmed or adversely affected by a rule could ask a district court to examine whether it is major and met the approval requirements. The court could decide independently whether the rule is major, whether the required steps occurred, and when or whether it took effect. Lawmakers’ approval would not erase legal claims about defects in the rule or give the agency authority it otherwise lacks. These provisions apply to rulemaking starting with an agency analysis published, or an emergency rule adopted, on or after July 1, 2027.

Covered members appointed to six state boards on or after July 1, 2026, would generally serve four-year terms. Covered boards are the Iowa Finance Authority, Agricultural Development Board, voting-system examiners, public employee retirement investment board, State Board of Education, and Board of Regents. The elections commissioner appoints voting-system examiners. Appointments on or before June 30, 2026, would carry six-year terms. If the Regents’ student member leaves school more than one year before the term ends, the term would end one year later unless the member returns within that year as a full-time student in good standing. The appointment date determines which term applies.