The Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans has the following powers and duties:
- Study the opportunities for and changing needs of the African American community in this state.
- Serve as liaison between the Office on the Status of African Americans and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.
- Recommend administrative rules.
- Recommend legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly.
- Establish advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.