Iowa House Bill HF2292

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 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.