On Wednesday, a three-member Senate Commerce subcommittee considered SF 2072, which would require group health insurance policies to provide coverage benefits before the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The mandate would apply to employer plans with at least 50 employees, and the maximum annual benefit amount would be $36,000 per person.
Also Wednesday, a Senate Commerce subcommittee considered SF 2019, which would require group health insurance policies to provide coverage benefits for diagnostic assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Both bills passed by the subcommittees and were forwarded to the full Commerce Committee for consideration next week.
Source: ABI
A third subcommittee meeting took place late Thursday to discuss an amendment to SF 84. SF 84 prevents employers from asking about a prospective employee's criminal background. After the first meeting proponents of the legislation wanted to enhance the bill. The purpose of the meeting today is to review and take comment on the proposed amendment. The amended bill passed out of subcommittee on a 2-1 vote and was forwarded to the full Judiciary Committee.
Source: ABI
Pregnancy Accommodations Bill: SF 313
Three women spoke Wednesday before the Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee in favor of workplace accommodations for pregnant employees. The women were all public employees, two of whom worked for the Polk County Sheriff's Department and one who worked as a firefighter for the city of Clinton. An attorney speaking in favor of the legislation argued that it provides clarity for employees and employers.
Source: ABI
SF 313 would require employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" for pregnant employees, including job restructuring, providing new or modified equipment, and modifying the employee's work schedule unless it poses an undue hardship to the employer. No action was taken Wednesday, but bill sponsor Sen. Chris Brase (D-Des Moines plans to amend SF 2098 into 313. Labor Committee Chairman Sen. Tony Bisignano (D-Des Moines) plans to move the legislation forward.
Paid Time for Prenatal Care Bill: SF 2097
Members of an all male subcommittee in the Senate met to discuss mandating at least 40 hours off for employee prenatal visits. This time would be in addition to any sick or paid time off provided by the employer. Furthermore, the employer cannot require the employee to take the sick/paid time before the prenatal time. The bill only applies to employers with more than 50 employees. The bill also allows employees who work any number of hours to receive the paid time off for appointments. ABI spoke in opposition to the bill and expressed specific concern with the applicability to all employees regardless of hours worked and explained the purpose of paid time is to attend medical appointments. The bill passed out of subcommittee 2-1 and is expected to come before the full Senate Labor Committee next week.
Source: ABI
Tax Credits for Hiring Iowa Contractors Bill: SSB 3095
SSB 3095 allows a portion of high quality job monies to be used as a tax credit for companies that contract with Iowa contractors and subcontractors who have apprenticeship programs to do work on a specific project. This legislation would benefit businesses in Iowa that may not have many new jobs created with a specific project, but will be using Iowa contractors on the job. A company will be required to be eligible for the high quality jobs program to be eligible for the new tax credit. Although the goal of the bill is to support hiring Iowa workers, there is currently nothing in the language that requires the employees live in Iowa.
Prohibition on Questions Regarding Felonies: SF84
SF 84 would prohibit asking potential employees about felony convictions until such time a job offer is to be made. The legislation has not advanced since the first subcommittee.
Increase Speed Limit on State/County Roads: HF 2125 & HF 2126
(HF 2125) On roads currently restricted to a 55 miles per hour speed limit, the limit would be increased to 60 miles per hour. The legislation has passed the House subcommittee.
HF 2126 would increase the speed limit on those same roads to 65 miles per hour. This legislation has also passed out of subcommittee.
Notice of Drug Testing: HF 2050
HF 2050 would prohibit Department of Human Services from giving an advance notice of drug testing. No action on the bill.
Passing Bicycles: SF 2076
SF 2076 has, in one form or another, been around the past several years. The bill requires a motorist overtaking a bicycle to move to the opposite side of the road until it has clearly passed. The bill has passed subcommittee.
Driving in the Left Lane: HF 155
HF 155 would prohibit a driver from driving in the left lane at a speed of 10 miles per hour or more under the posted limit.
Headlights During Inclement Weather HF 2019
HF 2019 would require headlights to be on at all time during inclement weather. No action thus far.
