Iowa Senate Bill SF282

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to payment of state employees for overtime work.

Impact

If passed, SF282 could significantly impact how state employees are compensated for overtime. It seeks to ensure that various types of leave, which were previously not considered in overtime calculations, will now be eligible. This change can lead to more equitable treatment of state employees and potentially increase their overtime earnings, particularly for those who take advantage of paid leave policies. This amendment could foster a more responsive work environment, potentially boosting employee morale and productivity.

Summary

Senate File 282 aims to amend regulations regarding the payment of overtime for state employees in Iowa. This bill specifically addresses the calculation of overtime compensation in accordance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. By amending Section 70A.1 of the Iowa Code, the bill intends to provide clarity on which forms of paid leave can be counted as hours worked when calculating overtime pay. Such forms include paid sick leave, court appearance leave, jury duty, and other specified paid time off.

Contention

While the intent behind SF282 is to enhance the compensation framework for state employees, it may face scrutiny regarding the financial implications for the state budget. Critics might argue that including additional forms of leave in overtime calculations could lead to increased expenses for state agencies. Concerns may also arise about the administrative burden this could place on state departments tasked with tracking and reporting employee hours effectively. Balancing concerns over budgetary constraints with the rights and entitlements of employees will be a noteworthy point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.