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HF 677

A bill for an act designating correctional officers as public safety employees for purposes of the public employment relations Act and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Turek

HF 677 designates Iowa correctional officers as public safety employees, enhancing their collective bargaining rights and protections for better job security and benefits.

Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.
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Bill Summary · HF 677

Summary of HF 677

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 677
Title: A bill for an act designating correctional officers as public safety employees for purposes of the public employment relations Act and including applicability provisions.
Status: Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce
Introduced Date: February 28, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Correctional systems, labor and employment, public employees, public employment relations act

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 677 is to designate correctional officers employed by the Iowa Department of Corrections as public safety employees under the Public Employment Relations Act (Code Chapter 20). This designation aims to provide correctional officers with specific collective bargaining rights and protections that are afforded to public safety employees, which differ from those available to other public employees.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Code Chapter 20: The bill amends Section 20.3, subsection 11 of the Iowa Code by adding a new paragraph that explicitly includes correctional officers as public safety employees.
  • Collective Bargaining Procedures: The bill stipulates that the provisions for collective bargaining applicable to public safety employees will now extend to correctional officers. This includes:
    • Scope of Negotiations: Enhanced rights regarding the topics that can be negotiated in collective bargaining.
    • Arbitration Procedures: Specific arbitration processes tailored for public safety employees.
    • City Civil Service Employment Matters: Adjustments to how civil service employment matters are handled for correctional officers.

Applicability

The provisions of HF 677 will apply to collective bargaining procedures initiated on or after the effective date of the bill. This means that any negotiations or agreements made after the bill's enactment will be subject to the new rules established by this legislation.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: The bill directly impacts correctional officers employed by the Iowa Department of Corrections, granting them enhanced rights and protections in their employment relations.
  • Broader Implications: By classifying correctional officers as public safety employees, the bill aims to improve working conditions and negotiation power for these individuals, potentially leading to better job security, wages, and benefits.

Legislative Actions

  • February 28, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Labor and Workforce committee for further consideration.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HF 677, its objectives, and the changes it proposes to the existing labor relations framework for correctional officers in Iowa.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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