Chapter 29C
The Code of Iowa, Chapter 29C establishes the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) under the Department of Public Defense.
The Department consists of two Divisions, Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Military; and is led by the Adjutant General, Major General Ron Dardis. HSEMD is led by Administrator David L. Miller. While the daily activities of the Military Division and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division differ, there are many common issues which lend themselves to cooperative efforts. For example, in emergency/disaster response and recovery issues, training and exercises, and services to individual citizens and public and private entities, the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the Military Division continue to seek opportunities to jointly implement activities.
Code of Iowa, Chapter 29C also established the responsibilities of HSEMD, which are to support local entities as they plan and implement mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies. HSEMD provides technical assistance, training, exercise facilitation, communications, and other support necessary for establishing and maintaining local capabilities. HSEMD is the link and coordinating entity that ensures consistency and compliance with various federal and state requirements and regulations.
Administrative Rules
The Administrative Procedures Act, Iowa Code Chapter 17A, requires all state agencies to promulgate rules for the operation of their programs. The rulemaking process increases agencies' accountability to the public, allows public participation in the formulation of rules, and provides legislative oversight for program operations.
Before the Department's rules are adopted, they are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin as a "notice of intended action." Any interested people may submit comments on the proposed rules within time frames set forth in the notice. All notices must allow at least 20 days for persons to submit comments or to request an oral presentation.
The Department may not adopt the rules until 35 days after the date the notice adoption is published. Following notice and adoption, the final rules are again published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. They become effective at a date specified with the final rule. Normally the Department must allow at least 35 days from the date of publication for people to prepare to implement the rules.
All Administrative Rules for Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management can be found within the Iowa Administrative Code under Section 605.