Iowa House Bill HF2349

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

A bill for an act providing for review and ongoing rescission of administrative rules.

Impact

The proposed law indicates significant changes in how administrative rules are managed in Iowa. By requiring a five-year rescission process, it effectively limits the lifespan of each chapter of rules, compelling agencies to consider whether their regulations remain valid or need revision. The implications of this bill could result in a more dynamic regulatory environment, where agencies must constantly justify the existence of their rules, potentially leading to a reduction in unnecessary regulations and a more agile administrative framework.

Summary

House File 2349 is an act designed to establish a systematic process for the review and ongoing rescission of administrative rules within the Iowa administrative code. It mandates that each agency must conduct a comprehensive review of its rules every five years, identifying any rules that are outdated, redundant, or inconsistent with current statutes or other agency rules. The bill seeks to streamline regulatory oversight and enhance administrative efficiency by forcing agencies to regularly evaluate the relevancy and necessity of their rules.

Contention

While HF2349 aims to update and streamline state regulations, it has raised concerns among various stakeholders regarding the implications of the rescission process. Critics worry that a rigid timeline for rescission may lead to the unintended lapse of important regulations that protect public interests. Moreover, introducing artificial intelligence to help identify outdated rules has been met with caution, as stakeholders voice concerns over the subjective interpretations that might arise from automated assessments of policies.

Additional_notes

Ultimately, HF2349 represents a significant shift in the governance of administrative law in Iowa. The mandated reviews and the integration of technology in regulatory practices could serve as a model for other states, yet the balance between efficiency and protective regulation remains a pivotal point of discussion as the bill progresses.