Each year a plethora of rules are changed in the state of Iowa by the various agencies and boards, and we usually have no idea that something has changed until it affects us. The state of Iowa actually has created a Website (rules.iowa.gov) to help generate more input and information concerning administrative rules. Have you wondered about why state agencies must adopt new rules from time to time? There are three valid reasons that new rules must be proposed: to keep up with current state law, to make necessary changes to existing programs, and to stay in compliance with federal rules and regulations.

Did you know that the rulemaking process in Iowa takes a minimum of 108 days? Also, did you know that there are four basic purposes that the administrative rules process serves? These and many other nuggets of information are able to be located on the Learn About Rules section of the Website. This section allows the reader to learn about the rule process in the state. There are resources listed to help the average citizen track proposed and adopted administrative rules. This section also deals with the petition, waiver, and appeals processes.

Another section called Open Notices lists all the administrative rules that are currently open for comment from the citizens of Iowa. As of July 1, 2015, there are 13 proposed administrative rule changes that people may comment on. They include the Revenue Department, Professional Licensure Division, Agriculture and Land Stewardship Department, Iowa Public Information Board, Natural Resource Commission, Educational Examiners Board, Labor Services Division, Racing and Gaming Commission, Dental Board, and College Student Aid Commission. I would find it hard to believe that one of these proposed rule changes doesn’t affect you in some way.

Once you click on a proposed administrative rule change, you have the ability to read the proposed changes. You then have the ability to click in the specific rule and comment, or you can make overall comments. Also, once you have the proposed rule open the Website states how many more days the proposed rule is open for comments.

This Website enhances transparency concerning citizen comments on proposed rule changes. Additionally, when you have the proposed rule open, you will find information about the board or agency that has proposed the change, along with information about what department this board or agency is a part of. This Website is part of the expansion of digital services that the state is providing, which help increase the level of transparency at the state level. This Website is part of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) (ocio.iowa.gov/).

I find it exciting to see our state embrace technology to allow for better transparency at the state government level. I would encourage you to take the time to explore both sites and check out all the features that are available. The OCIO Website lists all the mobile apps that you can download that pertain to Iowa. So take the time to learn about your state and how government operations are having more “light shown” on their activities.

Jennifer L. Crull is IT?Specialist for the Public Interest Institute in Mount Pleasant.