Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 216A.133. Purpose and duties

a. Develop short-term and long-term goals to improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

b. Identify and analyze justice system issues.

c. Develop and assist others in implementing recommendations and plans for justice system improvement.

d. Provide the general assembly with an analysis of current and proposed criminal code provisions.

e. Provide for a clearinghouse of justice system information to coordinate with data resource agencies and assist others in the use of justice system data.

a. Identifying issues and analyzing the operation and impact of present criminal and juvenile justice policy and making recommendations for policy changes.

b. Coordinating with data resource agencies to provide data and analytical information to federal, state, and local governments, and assisting agencies in the use of criminal and juvenile justice data.

c. Reporting criminal justice system needs to the governor, the general assembly, and other decision makers to improve the criminal justice system.

d. Reporting juvenile justice system needs to the governor, the general assembly, and other decision makers to address issues specifically affecting the juvenile justice system, including evidence-based programs for group foster care placements and the state training school, diversion, and community-based services for juvenile offenders.

e. Providing technical assistance upon request to state and local agencies.

f. Administering federal funds and funds appropriated by the state or that are otherwise available in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements for purposes of study, research, investigation, planning, and implementation in the areas of criminal and juvenile justice.

g. Making grants to cities, counties, and other entities pursuant to applicable law.

h. Maintaining an Iowa correctional policy project as provided in section 216A.137.

i. Providing input to the director in the development of budget recommendations for the department.

j. Developing and making recommendations to the director.

k. Serving as a liaison between the department and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.

l. Recommending to the department the adoption of rules pursuant to chapter 17A as it deems necessary for the board and department.

m. Recommending legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly.

n. Establishing advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.

o. Providing the general assembly with an analysis and recommendations of current criminal code provisions and proposed legislation which include but are not limited to all of the following:

p. Studying and making recommendations for treating and supervising adult and juvenile sex offenders in institutions, community-based programs, and in the community, in areas which include but are not limited to all of the following:

q. Providing expertise and advice to the legislative services agency, the department of corrections, the judicial branch, and others charged with formulating fiscal, correctional, or minority impact statements.

r. Reviewing data supplied by the department, the department of management, the legislative services agency, the Iowa supreme court, and other departments or agencies for the purpose of determining the effectiveness and efficiency of the collection of such data.