Employment Bills Receive Hearings
On Tuesday, several pieces of legislation affecting employers were discussed before House and Senate subcommittees. From franchisee/franchisor legislation to prohibiting employers from limiting employee political contributions, all the proposed bills moved forward.
- HSB 5 – The bill would bring clarity and certainty to the franchisor/franchisee relationship by declaring they are not joint employers. Read more.
- SF 34 – This proposal changes the amount of time to appeal an unemployment claim from 10 days after IWD mails the notice to 10 days after an employer receives notice. Read more.
- SF 53 – This legislation would prevent employers from prohibiting employees from contributing to a committee, receiving approval for contributing or limiting the amount of contributions. Read more.
IEDA & IFA Director Durham Speaks to Economic Development Subcommittee
On Tuesday, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham presented before the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. She spoke about several initiatives IEDA is working on to make Iowa a more attractive place for people to visit, live and invest in. She talked about the need to reevaluate Iowa’s welcome centers and leverage “opportunity zones” to encourage more capital investment in low-income areas. She also mentioned the success of the Main Street Iowa program, Iowa Energy Plan, and how the state is solidifying its status as a leader in the bio industry.
Iowa Senate Introduces Medical Marijuana Proposals
Members in the Iowa Senate have introduced legislation that would expand Iowa’s law as it relates to the use of cannabidiol. There are multiple proposals that do a variety of things, including increasing the THC allowed and expanding the conditions allowed to use medical marijuana. The first subcommittee on one of the proposals,
SF 77
, was held Wednesday with several interested parties in attendance.
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Regulatory Reform Legislation Advances
SF 25
received a subcommittee hearing Monday afternoon. ABI spoke in favor of the legislation, as it would cut red tape for manufacturers of water filters. The bill would streamline Iowa’s water filter certification process by eliminating the Department of Public Health from having to certify third-party tests and puts Iowa in line with all other 49 states regarding certification by moving to a national standard. Sen. Chapman, who led the subcommittee, signed off on the bill and plans to move it expeditiously to the full Commerce Committee.
Federal Spotlight: USMCA Trade Deal Needs Congressional Approval
According to the U.S. Chamber’s International Relations update, Trump administration officials are working to build support for congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer met with members of the House Ways and Means Committee to discuss the administration’s trade priorities, particularly USMCA.
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