Bill

HF 48

A bill for an act prohibiting employer control of employee political candidacy and contributions, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Gustoff

HF 48 protects employees' right to run for office and contribute to campaigns by banning employer retaliation and restricting control over candidacy leave and contributions.

Subcommittee recommends passage.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HF 48

HF 48: Summary

HF 48 is a bill introduced in the 2025 session that aims to protect employee participation in elections by limiting employer control over candidacy and political contributions. The bill, whose subcommittee recommended passage, would apply to appointing authorities and employers in Iowa and would impose criminal penalties for violations. The primary sponsor is Gustoff.

Purpose and intent

Ensure employees can seek elective public office and contribute to political campaigns without employer retaliation or interference.
Codify protections for leave related to candidacy and prohibit employer actions that deter or control an employee’s political activities.

Key provisions

Leave for candidates
- Upon request, an appointing authority or employer must grant leave to an employee who is a candidate for elective public office.
- Leave can commence at any time within 30 days before a election.
Protections against adverse actions
- An appointing authority or employer may not take adverse actions against an employee for seeking election to public office.
- An employee is protected from being prohibited from seeking election if they inform the employer of their intent to seek public office.
Penalties for violations (candidacy provisions)
- Violations are punishable as simple misdemeanors, with one offense per day.
- A simple misdemeanor carries up to 30 days of confinement and/or a fine of $105 to $855 (or both.
Restrictions on contributions
- Employers may not prohibit, limit, or require approval for employees’ contributions to political committees or candidates’ committees.
- Violations of this provision are punishable as serious misdemeanors.
- A serious misdemeanor carries up to 1 year of confinement and a fine of $430 to $2,560 (or both).

Scope and affected parties

Applies to Iowa employers and appointing authorities (in both public and private contexts) that employ individuals in Iowa.
Affects:
- Employees seeking or considering election to public office.
- Employers/appointing authorities who may otherwise impose leave policies or attempt to influence political activities.
- Political committees and campaigns receiving employee contributions.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduction: January 14, 2025.
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage.
Subcommittee: Harris, Lundgren, and Wilburn (as of Jan. 30, 2025).
Subcommittee action: Meeting noted for March 4, 2025; subsequent recommendation for passage (as of March 4, 2025).

Potential impact

Strengthens protections for employees seeking public office and for employee political contributions.
Creates clear criminal penalties for employer interference with candidacy or contributions.
Could require employers to adjust leave policies and ensure compliance to avoid liability.
Signals a policy emphasis on safeguarding political participation by workers while delineating specific enforcement consequences.

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