Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2292

Introduced
2/5/24  
Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to civil liability for employers of minors.

Impact

If enacted, HF2292 would significantly alter the legal responsibilities of employers regarding the safety and welfare of minor employees. By enacting strict liability, the bill ensures that employers cannot evade responsibility for workplace incidents involving minors by demonstrating that they were not negligent. This change is expected to improve occupational safety for minors by promoting more stringent safety measures in workplaces that employ younger individuals.

Summary

House File 2292 (HF2292), introduced by Representatives Croken, Abdul-Samad, and Steckman, addresses civil liability for employers who hire minors. The bill aims to establish that employers are held strictly liable for any injuries or deaths that occur to minor employees while they are engaged in the course and scope of their employment. This strict liability standard diverges from existing legal frameworks that often require proof of negligence for an employer to be held accountable for workplace injuries.

Contention

The introduction of HF2292 may spark debate among various stakeholders. Supporters of the bill argue that it serves to protect vulnerable minors from workplace hazards and encourages employers to foster safer working environments. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of strict liability on small businesses, which could face increased financial risk and potentially discourage the hiring of minors due to the heightened liability exposure. The discussions around the bill likely reflect contrasting views on balancing government protection of young workers against the entrepreneurial freedom of businesses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF184

A bill for an act relating to civil liability for employers of minors.

IA SF2213

A bill for an act relating to minors using mobile devices, including protections for minors and civil liability.

IA SF2224

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

IA HF917

A bill for an act relating to civil liability actions against motocross facilities.(Formerly HF 632.)

IA SF77

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

IA HF201

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(Formerly HSB 114.)

IA HF632

A bill for an act relating to civil liability actions against motocross facilities.(See HF 917.)

IA SF228

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles. (Formerly SSB 1114.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2114

A bill for an act relating to minors using mobile devices, including protections for minors, civil liability, and providing penalties.(See HF 2546.)

IA HSB114

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(See HF 201.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.