Iowa Legislative Leaders Elected; New House Minority Leader to be Selected
Following the November elections, the majority and minority parties in both the House and Senate hold elections within their caucuses to determine leadership posts in each respective party. Each party caucus met last week to determine leadership positions. Keep reading.
Iowa House District 55 Not Final
More than a week has passed and the outcome in Iowa House District 55 has not been finalized. Although current State Rep. Michael Bergan (R-Dorchester) holds a slight lead, Kayla Koether has not yet conceded the race. Keep reading.
Governor Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Late Wednesday, Gov. Reynolds announced several appointments to boards and commissions. Some of the appointments include the Environmental Protection Commission, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, STEM Advisory Council, Prison Industries Advisory Board and others. Keep reading.
Hyland Attends ATRA Conference
ABI Director of Public Policy Jessica Hyland traveled to San Diego this week to attend an annual conference put on by the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). The ATRA is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to reforming the civil justice system. It's a nationwide network of state-based liability reform coalitions backed by 135,000 grassroots supporters. Keep reading.
Reminder: Feedback Requested on DOR Rules
The Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 27 on draft rules that were necessary as a result of SF 2417. The rules change the definition of a manufacturer for some entities and attempt to clarify the law by providing examples. Read the rules. Please provide any feedback to Nicole Crain by Friday, Nov. 23.
Federal Spotlight: DOL Issues Unemployment Drug Testing Regulations for Comment
The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking comments on its recently published regulations regarding drug testing for unemployment compensation (UC) applicants. The rulemaking includes a proposed list of occupations the DOL has determined regularly conduct drug testing. Keep reading.
Federal Spotlight: EPA Seeking Comments on Exclusions from Ambient Air
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comments on its draft revised policy document on "Exclusions from 'Ambient Air'." The EPA is modifying its 1980s policy on the exclusion of certain areas from the scope of "ambient air" under the Clean Air Act and EPA's regulations, while still maintaining public health protection. Keep reading.
60 Days Out--ABI Briefing and Reception
With only 60 days until the Legislative Briefing and Reception, don't forget to take advantage of the early-bird registration fee for members! Thanks to our generous sponsors Alliant Energy,
Arconic
, Cargill, CIPCO, Community State Bank and International Paper for supporting and helping make ABI's second largest event a success. Keep reading.
Additional Speaker Announced
Author/Top-rated Speaker and Trainer to Address 2019 Conference
Strengthen and Harvest Company Value While Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Join us Dec. 6, 1:15-3:15 p.m., in Oskaloosa for a Building Business Value program. This program is centered around three main topics: 1) building business value, 2) legacy planning and 3) execution. Learn more and register.
From the Desk of...
Understanding Self-insured vs Fully-insured Workers' Compensation Coverage
Juli Jenkins, SCLA
Client Service Executive LMC Insurance and Risk Management