ARC 5138C
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY[261]
Adopted and Filed
Rule making related to welcome center program
The Economic Development Authority hereby rescinds Chapter 34, “Welcome Center Program,” Iowa Administrative Code and adopts a new Chapter 34 with the same title.
Legal Authority for Rule Making
This rule making is adopted under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 15.106A.
State or Federal Law Implemented
This rule making implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 15.271 and 15.272.
Purpose and Summary
2019 Iowa Acts, House File 303, made significant updates to the Authority’s Welcome Center Program. This legislation removed outdated references to a statewide long-range plan and pilot program, which no longer exist. This amendment rescinds the existing rules relating to the pilot program and replaces the chapter with more general information about the purpose of welcome centers, which is to provide travel-related services and tourism information to travelers throughout the state.
Public Comment and Changes to Rule Making
Notice of Intended Action for this rule making was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on March 11, 2020, as ARC 4962C. No public comments were received. No changes from the Notice have been made.
Adoption of Rule Making
This rule making was adopted by the Authority on July 17, 2020.
Fiscal Impact
This rule making has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.
Jobs Impact
After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.
Waivers
Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rule making would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Authority for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 261—Chapter 199.
Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee
The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rule making by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rule making at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).
Effective Date
This rule making will become effective on September 16, 2020.
The following rule-making action is adopted:
	Rescind 261—Chapter 34 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:
CHAPTER 34
WELCOME CENTER PROGRAM
261—34.1(15) Purpose. The primary goal of a statewide program for welcome centers is to provide travel-related services and tourism information to travelers. A program is established to maintain a variety of welcome centers at strategic locations to meet the needs of travelers in the state.
261—34.2(15) Welcome center program. The economic development authority shall establish and administer a statewide welcome center program.
	34.2(1) Collaboration with state agencies. The authority shall collaborate with other state agencies as necessary to coordinate the operation of such welcome centers and to provide information to travelers.
	34.2(2) Operation. The authority shall operate, manage, and maintain all state-owned and state-operated welcome centers, including the provision of travel-related services and the collection and distribution of tourism information.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 15.271 and 15.272.
[Filed 7/24/20, effective 9/16/20]
[Published 8/12/20]
Editor’s Note: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 8/12/20.