Indiana Administrative Code Title 17 - OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Overview
Title 17 of the Indiana Administrative Code pertains to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), an agency under the Indiana Lieutenant Governor's office. OCRA's mission is to support rural and underserved communities in Indiana by providing resources, technical assistance, and funding to enhance community development and economic growth.
Key Components of Title 17
1. Debarment Procedures (17 IAC 1-1)
Purpose: Establishes guidelines for debarment procedures, outlining the process by which individuals or entities may be excluded from participating in state-administered programs due to misconduct or non-compliance.
Definitions:
Debarment: Exclusion from participation in a program for a specified period.
Person: Includes individuals, firms, associations, partnerships, corporations, and political subdivisions.
Authority: Based on IC 4-4-9.7-7, which grants the authority to implement debarment procedures.
Scope: Applies to all state-administered programs overseen by OCRA.
2. Conflict of Interest (17 IAC 1-2)
Purpose: Ensures that individuals involved in the administration of OCRA programs act impartially and avoid situations where personal interests conflict with public duties.
Guidelines:
Prohibits individuals from participating in decisions where they have a financial interest.
Requires disclosure of potential conflicts and recusal from related decisions.
Authority: Derived from IC 4-2-6, which addresses conflicts of interest for state officers and employees.
3. Grant Administration (17 IAC 1-3)
Purpose: Provides procedures for the administration of grants, ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper use of funds.
Procedures:
Establishes criteria for grant eligibility and application processes.
Outlines requirements for reporting and monitoring grant-funded projects.
Specifies conditions under which grants may be revoked or funds reclaimed.
Authority: Based on IC 4-4-9.7-7, granting the authority to administer grants.
4. Public Access and Transparency (17 IAC 1-4)
Purpose: Promotes transparency and public access to information regarding OCRA's activities and decisions.
Requirements:
Mandates the publication of meeting agendas and minutes.
Requires the availability of program guidelines and application materials.
Ensures that records are accessible to the public in accordance with Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.
Authority: Informed by IC 5-14-3, which governs public access to government records.
Case Law and Legal Precedents
While specific case law directly interpreting Title 17 is limited, the principles established in the code align with broader legal precedents concerning administrative procedures, debarment, and public transparency in Indiana. Courts have generally upheld the authority of state agencies like OCRA to implement and enforce such regulations, provided they adhere to statutory guidelines and ensure due process.
Conclusion
Title 17 of the Indiana Administrative Code provides a structured framework for the operations of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in the administration of community development programs. Through its provisions on debarment, conflict of interest, grant administration, and public access, Title 17 ensures that OCRA's activities align with legal standards and serve the best interests of Indiana's communities.
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