A bill for an act relating to library services provided by the department of administrative services.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 399 streamlines Iowa's library services by removing certain reporting requirements for the Department of Administrative Services, enhancing efficiency for state agency libraries.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 399.

#administrativeservicesdepartment #libraries

Purpose and Intent

HSB 113, now renumbered as HF 399, is a proposed legislative bill aimed at modifying the library services provided by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in Iowa. The bill seeks to streamline certain reporting and operational requirements associated with library services, thereby potentially enhancing the efficiency of library operations within state agencies.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to existing legislation regarding library services:

Biennial Reporting Requirements:

The bill removes the requirement for DAS to develop and approve a biennial unified plan of service and service delivery for library services.

Standards for State Agency Libraries:

It eliminates DAS's obligation to establish and administer standards for state agency libraries, which may reduce regulatory oversight.

Terminology Update:

The bill replaces references to “access plus programs” with “interlibrary loan programs” in the context of DAS's duties to support library programs under the Enrich Iowa program.

Continued Reporting Obligations:

Despite the removal of certain requirements, DAS remains obligated to prepare reports on its progress in meeting goals outlined in its agency strategic and operational plans.

Affected Parties

Department of Administrative Services (DAS): The primary agency impacted by this bill, as it will alter its operational and reporting responsibilities regarding library services.

State Agency Libraries: Libraries within state agencies may experience changes in oversight and standards, potentially affecting their operations and service delivery.

Public Libraries: The terminology change may influence how public libraries engage with DAS and how interlibrary loan programs are supported.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 30, 2025

Subcommittee Meeting: February 6, 2025

Subcommittee Recommendation: February 6, 2025

Committee Vote: February 12, 2025 (Passed with 23 Yeas, 0 Nays)

Committee Report: February 12, 2025 (Recommended passage)

Committee Report Approving Bill: February 13, 2025 (Renumbered as HF 399)

Conclusion

HSB 113 (HF 399) represents a legislative effort to simplify the framework governing library services provided by DAS. By removing certain reporting and operational requirements, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency of library services while maintaining essential reporting obligations. The changes proposed could have a significant impact on how state agency libraries operate and interact with DAS and public libraries in Iowa.

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