SENATE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS BILL BY CHAIRPERSON BEALL)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the duties of the commission of veterans affairs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 35A.3, subsection 2, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  Review and approve, prior to adoption, all proposed rules submitted by the department concerning the management and operation of the department and programs administered by the department. Unless the commission votes to disapprove a proposed rule on a two-thirds vote at the earlier of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the commission or a special meeting of the commission called by the commission within thirty days of the date the proposed rule is submitted, the department may proceed to adopt the rule.
   Sec. 2.  Section 35A.3, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new subsections:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  6.  Provide guidance and make recommendations to the department during an annual review of the department’s proposed budget and provide guidance and make recommendations for budget changes that occur during the fiscal year.
   NEW SUBSECTION.  7.  Consult with the department regarding certification training for executive directors and administrators of county commissions of veteran affairs pursuant to section 35B.6. 
   Sec. 3.  Section 35A.5, subsection 12, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   12.  Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A and establish policy for the management and operation of the department. Prior to adopting rules, the department shall submit proposed rules to the commission for review and approval pursuant to the requirements of section 35A.3.
EXPLANATION
   This bill relates to the duties of the commission of veterans affairs.
   The bill requires that rules proposed by the department of veterans affairs be approved by the commission of veterans affairs prior to adoption. The bill strikes the requirement that the commission disapprove a proposed rule by a 2/3 vote of the commission.
   The bill requires that the commission provide guidance and recommendations to the department on the annual budget and on changes to the budget during the fiscal year. The bill requires that the commission consult with the department on the training of executive directors and administrators of the county commissions of veteran affairs.