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Bill

HF 681

A bill for an act establishing a wage and hour division in the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jerome Amos and 18 co-sponsors

HF 681 creates a Wage and Hour Division in Iowa to enforce wage laws, ensuring better protection for workers against violations and enhancing local oversight.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 681

Summary of Bill HF 681

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HF 681
  • Title: A bill for an act establishing a wage and hour division in the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.
  • Status: Introduced, referred to State Government.
  • Introduced On: February 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Department, Salaries and Wages

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 681 is to establish a dedicated Wage and Hour Division within the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. This division will be responsible for the administration and enforcement of state laws related to wage payment, minimum wage, and child labor, as outlined in Iowa Code chapters 91A, 91D, and 92.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Division: The bill mandates the creation of a Wage and Hour Division tasked with overseeing compliance with wage-related laws in Iowa.

  • Investigation of Violations: The division will have the authority to investigate reported violations of the laws it administers. This includes:

    • Wage payment collection (Iowa Code Chapter 91A)
    • Minimum wage regulations (Iowa Code Chapter 91D)
    • Child labor laws (Iowa Code Chapter 92)
  • Enforcement Activities: The division is empowered to engage in enforcement activities against violators of these laws, ensuring that state regulations are upheld.

  • Prioritization of State Enforcement: The bill emphasizes that the division will prioritize its own investigations and enforcement actions over referring complaints to the federal Department of Labor. This aims to enhance local oversight and responsiveness to wage and hour issues within the state.

Affected Parties

The establishment of the Wage and Hour Division will primarily affect:
- Employees: Workers in Iowa who may face wage violations or issues related to minimum wage and child labor laws.
- Employers: Businesses operating in Iowa that must comply with state wage and hour regulations.
- State Agencies: The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing will expand its responsibilities and resources to accommodate the new division.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government committee on February 28, 2025. Further actions and discussions will determine its progression through the legislative process.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsors:
    • Wilburn
    • James
    • Cooling

This summary provides an overview of HF 681, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and the potential impact on various stakeholders in Iowa. The establishment of a Wage and Hour Division aims to strengthen the enforcement of wage-related laws and improve protections for workers in the state.

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

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