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February 26, 2016 | Week 7 Summary

Coupling Issue.

Still Alive.

It was announced this week that Governor Branstad has agreed to support coupling for tax year 2015. This was not in his original budget proposal released the first week of session and HF 2092 passed with wide bipartisan support, but the Senate has yet to act on the bill. The Senate is dragging their feet due to the $96 million hit to the general fund since the Governor did not include it in his proposed budget.

The Senate Democrats had previously indicated they were going to follow the Governor's lead and not include this proposal in their budget negotiations. However, calls from big and small businesses appear to be working and the Senate majority leaders have stated they are looking for ways to work this into their budgets.

KEEP CONTACTING YOUR SENATORS!

Updates From the Capital.

Wage Theft (SF 398)

There was no action this week. This bill would require you have an agreement in writing as to how your employees are to be paid.

Prohibition on Questions Regarding Felonies (SF 2240)

There was no action on this legislation this week. SF 2240 would prohibit asking potential employees about felony convictions until such time a job offer is to be made.

Wage Discrimination (SF 2193)

There was no action on this legislation this week. It would prohibit an employee from requiring employees to not disclose wages or benefits with other employees. It would also prohibit an employer from seeking wage information from a potential employee during the interview process. It would require an employer to post the minimum rate of pay in all job advertisements.

Accommodations for Pregnancies (SF2252)

There was no action on this legislation this week. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and new mothers.

Prenatal Care (SF2097)

There was no action on action on this legislation this week. It requires employers to provide paid time for prenatal care.

Insurance Mandates (SF 2204)

There was no action on this legislation this week. It requires health insurance plans to cover eating disorder treatment.

Passed the Senate: SF 2254 requires employer health insurance plans with more than 50 employees to cover autism treatment.

Oversize and Overweight Vehicles (SF 2248 and HF 2383)

There was no action on this legislation this week. It will allow vehicles to have a weight of 46,000 pounds on a single tandem axle of the tractor and 46,000 pounds on a single tandem axle of the trailer is each axle of each tandem has at least four tires.

NOTE: We are told an amendment will come from the IDOT to change weight limits on CNG vehicles.

CDL testing community colleges and other third parties (HF 2348)

There was no action on this legislation this week. The legislation would allow community colleges and other third party vendors to test CDL applicants. Community colleges already train and test their own students. This would allow them to test others. The bill is alive in the House, but the Senate wants to restrict the testing to only the community colleges.

2016 IMTA Platinum Sponsors

Dave Scott

IMTA Lobbyist

Brenda Neville

IMTA President