S.F. 353 Section 1. Section 17A.4, subsection 1, paragraph b, Code 1 2011, is amended to read as follows: 2 b. Afford all interested persons not less than twenty 3 days to submit data, views, or arguments in writing or in 4 an electronic format. If feasible, an electronic format may 5 include the use of electronic mail and posting to an internet 6 site . If timely requested in writing by twenty-five interested 7 persons, by a governmental subdivision, by the administrative 8 rules review committee, by an agency, or by an association 9 having not less than twenty-five members, the agency must give 10 interested persons an opportunity to make oral presentation. 11 The opportunity for oral presentation must be held at least 12 twenty days after publication of the notice of its time and 13 place in the Iowa administrative bulletin. The agency shall 14 consider fully all written and oral submissions respecting the 15 proposed rule. Within one hundred eighty days following either 16 the notice published according to the provisions of paragraph 17 “a” or within one hundred eighty days after the last date of 18 the oral presentations on the proposed rule, whichever is 19 later, the agency shall adopt a rule pursuant to the rulemaking 20 proceeding or shall terminate the proceeding by publishing 21 notice of termination in the Iowa administrative bulletin. 22 Sec. 2. Section 68B.2, subsection 13, paragraph b, 23 subparagraph (8), Code 2011, is amended to read as follows: 24 (8) Persons whose activities are limited to submitting 25 data, views, or arguments in writing or in an electronic 26 format , or requesting an opportunity to make an oral 27 presentation under section 17A.4, subsection 1 . 28 EXPLANATION 29 This bill requires state agencies to accept public comments 30 on proposed rulemaking in an electronic format, which would 31 include electronic mail, posting on an internet site, and other 32 forms of electronic communications. 33 -1- LSB 2399SS (2) 84 jr/sc 1/ 1