Iowa Senate Bill SF2379

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to state agency strategic planning and data collection.(Formerly SSB 3145.)

Impact

The bill significantly reduces the mandated involvement of the Department of Management (DOM) in overseeing strategic plans, which includes removing the obligation to consult with legislative bodies and requiring individual agencies to take greater responsibility for their performance assessments and data collection. Under the new provisions, each agency is expected to identify and maintain its own data necessary for monitoring operations, which could lead to greater autonomy but also raises concerns about consistency and accountability across different agencies.

Summary

Senate File 2379, introduced by the Committee on State Government, relates to state agency strategic planning and data collection. The primary aim of the bill is to modify existing laws governing how state agencies develop and implement their strategic plans. By updating terminology and revising obligations, the bill seeks to provide a clearer framework for state agencies in terms of their operational priorities and performance metrics. This reflects a shift towards a more data-centered approach in managing state resources efficiently.

Contention

Notably, critics of the bill may express concerns regarding the potential implications for transparency and public participation in agency planning processes. By striking requirements for public input and consultation with other stakeholders, the bill might be viewed as undermining the democratic processes that ensure agencies are responsive to public needs. Opponents may argue that reducing the level of oversight by the DOM could exacerbate disparities in how different agencies prioritize their operations and measure their performance.