Charter Agency Legislative Changes

Since the original Charter Agency legislation in 2003, additional authorities have been added. During the 2004 and 2005 legislative sessions, the following changes were passed and signed into law by Governor Vilsack:

2004

Senate File 2298:

• Exempted Charter Agencies from the requirement of seeking Executive Council approval for out-of-state travel, attendance at conventions, and memberships in professional organizations.

2005

House File 837:

• Extended Charter Agency exemption from Section 8.31 across-the-board budget cuts through FY 2006.
• Exempted Charter Agencies from the requirement to obtain State Appeal Board approval to pay prior year claims from funds other than the General Fund.

2006

A bill proposed to the legislature did not pass. It would have:

• Granted the Governor ongoing authority to name – and un-name – Charter Agencies,
• Removed the 2008 sunset, and
• Added leases and asset sales under $50,000 to the list of exemptions from Executive Council approval.