Iowa Board of Regents Executive Director Mark Braun, left, and President Sherry Bates attend an Iowa Board of Regents meeting Feb. 27, 2025. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
The Iowa Board of Regents on Thursday ratified a new committee focused on the Iowa Legislature and bills relating to the board’s work and public universities.
According to a board of regents document, the board registers a position on more than 300 bills introduced by the Legislature each year, many of which could significantly impact the board and the universities it governs.
Board President Sherry Bates approved the creation of the committee Feb. 17, according to the document, naming Regent Christine Hensley as chair and herself, Regents Greta Rouse and JC Risewick as members. Executive Director Mark Braun and state relations officers for the board will staff the committee.
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The new legislative committee will serve to suggest positions on legislation moving through the Statehouse, with the plan to hold weekly public meetings where committee members will discuss bills and propose possible amendments to be filed and present stances.
Braun said the first meeting will take place after the Legislature has gone through its first funnel on March 7, at which point legislation must have passed through at least one committee in order to move ahead. Board members not serving on the committee are welcome to attend and share their thoughts on legislation, he said.
The committee will not meet when the Legislature is out of session, the document stated, but will provide updates to the full board at its February and April meetings.
“This is an open and transparent way to do our business,” Braun said.
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