Iowa policy wonks have every reason to be discouraged lately about the frozen-in-place, do-little state legislative session. Looking on the bright side, a fantastic new resource on state administrative rules appeared this week.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer launched the Iowa Administrative Rules website on Monday. The site is easy to navigate. A FAQ page explains the basics about the rulemaking process and public comments. Rules currently open for comment are right there on the front page. Clicking on any specific rule brings up the full text, contact information for the relevant state agency, details on upcoming public hearings, and the closing date for comments on the proposal. This website should make it easier for politically-engaged Iowans to understand and participate in making state regulations. It’s a good companion to the Iowa legislature’s official website, which is user-friendly and updated frequently (though it could be more readable).
I had to laugh at a few comments in the press release announcing the new website, enclosed after the jump. Governor Terry Branstad couldn’t resist taking a swipe at “burdensome rules” and “overregulation,” a bugaboo for him. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds (yes, the relentless branding of Branstad-Reynolds as a single unit continues) pegged the website launch to other “transparency” measures, including visiting all 99 Iowa counties every year.
I strongly disagree with the governor’s general view that business groups need more power over state regulations. The new process Branstad created has allowed a small but powerful group of business owners to torpedo a rule protecting the public interest in preserving topsoil and clean water. Branstad also intervened to undermine an electrical inspections rule designed to prevent fires in farm buildings. That said, the Iowa Administrative Rules website was a great idea, well-executed. Whoever developed the site for the Office of the Chief Information Officer deserves credit.
Governor Branstad press release, May 18:
Branstad, Reynolds launch administrative rules Website making process more open and accessible
Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the launch of a new state Website that makes the administrative rules process more open and transparent. The site, rules.iowa.gov, allows Iowans to view administrative rules that are open for comment, rules that are receiving higher views than others, comment on rules online, find contact information for each specific rule, learn how much longer the comment period is open and inquire about the administrative rule process.
“Public participation in forming administrative rules helps Iowa reform burdensome rules and prevents overregulation and government red tape thus encouraging efficiency, economic growth and job creation,” said Branstad. “We are pleased to launch Rules.Iowa.gov today to give Iowans greater access to their government and the ability to weigh-in on proposed rules conveniently and effectively at any time during the rule process.”
The new Website streamlines a process that currently requires Iowans interested in commenting on proposed rules to navigate through multiple Webpages. Currently, to view proposed rules online, Iowans must navigate to the Legislature Website, then to the Iowa Law and Rules Webpage, then to the Iowa Administrative Rules Webpage to find the Rules Tracker page. Once there, Iowans can view a rule, but can’t comment the rule. Rules.Iowa.Gov creates a one-stop shop for viewing rules and commenting on proposed rules they’re interested in.
“Since taking office, Governor Branstad and I have continuously worked to make government more open and transparent,” said Reynolds. “Visiting all 99 Iowa counties each year, live-streaming our press conferences, using social media tools and taking questions via ‘Ask the Gov.’, are great tools for interacting with Iowans. This new website is accessible 24/7 for Iowans to voice their opinion on government rules and brings yet another element of transparency to government.”
The purpose of this website is to allow members of the public the opportunity to comment on administrative rules in the notice process. Members of the public have 20 days to comment on a rule from the date of publication. Individuals may comment on all administrative rules open for comment on the website.
The Website was built and is maintained by the Office of the Chief Information Officer.