Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF441

Introduced
2/17/25  
Engrossed
3/13/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Enrolled
5/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act concerning the functions of the employment appeal board; the workers' compensation commissioner; and the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing relating to contested cases, judicial review, and liability. (Formerly HSB 18.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

The legislative changes proposed in HF441 significantly affect the processes by which employment-related grievances and workers' compensation claims are managed at the state level. This includes modifications to procedures for filing applications for rehearing and changes to judicial review protocols. The updated provisions ensure a more straightforward approach to contested cases, which is expected to expedite the resolution process for individuals seeking redress under workers' compensation laws. Additionally, the bill introduces changes to liability standards, potentially reducing the state's liabilities regarding these claims.

Summary

House File 441 is legislation concerning the operational framework of the Employment Appeal Board, the Workers' Compensation Commissioner, and the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing in Iowa. The bill addresses the procedural dynamics of contested cases, specifically how judicial reviews are conducted and the liability standards applicable in these contexts. The bill aims to clarify and streamline the functions of these bodies, enhancing efficiency in handling appeals and reviews associated with employment and workers' compensation disputes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF441 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers, reflecting a desire for improved functionality within state agencies tasked with managing employment appeals and workers' compensation cases. The bill passed with a unanimous vote in the House, indicating broad agreement on its provisions. However, there may be concerns among advocacy groups regarding how these changes could alter access to justice for claimants, highlighting the tension between regulatory efficiency and individual rights in the employment sector.

Contention

While there is significant support for the aims of HF441, potential points of contention could arise around the provisions related to judicial review and the stipulations for petitions. Critics may argue that the new requirements could create additional barriers for claimants, particularly regarding the changes in how and where petitions can be filed. The balance between streamlining processes and ensuring adequate protections for workers remains a critical consideration as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

IA HSB18

Related A bill for an act concerning the functions of the employment appeal board; the workers' compensation commissioner; and the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing relating to contested cases, judicial review, and liability.(See HF 441.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2426

A bill for an act relating to the inspection obligations of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing associated with hotel sanitation. (Formerly HSB 578.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2390

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 596.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2370

A bill for an act concerning the executive branch rulemaking process and other agency functions and related matters. (Formerly SSB 3119.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2433

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities board. (Formerly SSB 3199.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF688

A bill for an act concerning the state rulemaking process, related matters pertaining to agency functions, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 81.) Effective date: 07/01/2023, 01/01/2024.

IA SF565

A bill for an act relating to state and local finance and the administration of the tax and related laws by the department of revenue, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1148.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023, 01/01/2024, 01/01/2026. Applicability date: 01/01/2023, 07/01/2024.

IA SF557

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and Iowa utilities board, creating a licensing and regulation fund, and modifying provisions related to major procurement contracts for the Iowa lottery division of the department of revenue. (Formerly SSB 1209.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF514

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1123.) Contingent effective date. Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2023.

IA SF2203

A bill for an act relating to the inspection obligations of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing associated with hotel sanitation.(Formerly SSB 3064.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.