Rule Writer Tool Kit

This tool kit is intended as a comprehensive resource for rule writers regarding drafting rules, submitting rulemakings, and using the Rules Management System (RMS).

The Rule Writer Handbook is a guide for drafting and maintaining administrative rules and navigating the rulemaking process.

The Administrative Rules FAQ is an additional resource covering topics related to administrative rules and providing answers to questions commonly asked by rule writers.

Click on (Show/Hide) to toggle content under headers. hide all
Drafting Rules show/hide

Rule-Drafting Template: Download Word | Zip File Instructions | PDF user guide - The tool rule writers should use to build rulemaking documents. This Microsoft Word-based template provides:

  • Easy access to current, accurate rules in the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC).
  • Predrafted item statements that conform to the ones used in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin (IAB).
  • Predrafted frameworks for new rules that can be copied and tailored to fit and that have the proper formatting (e.g., bold and italics) used in the IAB and IAC.
  • Easy access to the RTF of the published Notice (or other rulemaking), which makes preparing an Adopted and Filed document much easier.

Rulemaking Document Checklist - A quick reference of important things to consider and include when drafting rulemaking documents.

Parts of Rule - A guide to the hierarchy of rules, which is especially useful for writing new rules or restructuring existing rules.

Item Statements - A comprehensive list of item statements to be used when writing items for a rulemaking document.

Rules Tracker - A tool that tracks the progress of rulemaking documents and allows for reviewing an agency's past rulemakings.

Editorial Change Process - Instructions for agencies to submit nonsubstantive editorial changes to rules.

Submitting a Rulemaking show/hide

Schedule for Rulemaking 2023 | 2024 - A chart of the rulemaking timeline for a calendar year.

Rulemaking Calculator - A tool for interpreting the schedule for rulemaking.

Download Edited and Published Rulemaking Documents - An alternative to the Rule-Drafting Template above for downloading published rulemakings, especially published Notices to use as a basis for creating related Adopted and Filed rulemakings.

RMS Submission Checklist - A quick reference for preparing rule filings for submission via the Rules Management System.

Rules Management System (RMS) show/hide

RMS is the electronic filing system for administrative rules. RMS is managed by the Legislative Services Agency and is located in the Legislative Portal. A user account is required for access. To set up access to RMS or change your password, contact the LSA Front Office at 515.281.3566.

Rules Management System - Allows submission of rulemaking documents to the Governor's Office and Administrative Code Editor.

Rules Management System User Guide - Technical instructions for using RMS.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about RMS.

If you have problems or questions signing in to the Legislative Portal, please contact the LSA Help Desk at 515.281.6506.

Other Guidance show/hide

Uniform Rules on Agency Procedure PDF | RTF - Example language for agencies to use for rules on procedures for Petitions for Rulemaking, Declaratory Orders, Agency Procedure for Rulemaking, Fair Information Practices, and Contested Cases.

Iowa Administrative Procedure Act (Iowa Code Chapter 17A) - The statute that governs the rulemaking process, contested cases, other agency action, and judicial review.

Rulemaking Guide - A thorough legal guide on the rulemaking process.

Iowa Administrative Code

Quick Search

Rulemaking Document

Quick Search

ARC
Agency, Chapter, or Rule By Publication & Effective Dates

Quick Search