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Bill > SSB1014
IA SSB1014
IA SSB1014A bill for an act concerning private sector employee drug testing.(See SF 110.)
summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to Code section 730.5, concerning private sector employee drug testing. Under current law, “safety-sensitive position”, for purposes of Code section 730.5, is defined as a job wherein an accident could cause loss of human life, serious bodily injury, or significant property or environmental damage, including a job with duties that include immediate supervision of a person in a safety-sensitive position. The bill provides that the definition applies to positions designated as safety sensitive positions by the employer. The bill provides that specified communications required under current law to be provided by certified mail, return receipt requested, can also be provided in person or by electronic notification if an employee or prospective employee so chooses. S.F. _____ The bill modifies language providing that a person violating Code section 730.5 can be subject to civil remedies to instead provide that an employer violating Code section 730.5 can be subject to civil remedies. The bill provides that attorney fees awarded to an aggrieved employee or prospective employee as part of affirmative relief in a civil action for a violation of Code section 730.5 must be reasonable. In such an action, the bill provides that an aggrieved employee or prospective employee has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of Code section 730.5 directly caused any damages for which affirmative relief is sought. The bill strikes language providing that in a legal action alleging that an employer has required or requested a drug or alcohol test in violation of Code section 730.5, the employer has the burden of proving that the requirements of Code section 730.5 were met.
AI Summary
This Study Bill modifies existing law regarding private sector employee drug testing, specifically concerning "safety-sensitive positions," which are defined as jobs where an accident could result in loss of life, serious injury, or significant damage, and includes supervisory roles over such positions, with the bill clarifying this definition applies to positions the employer designates as safety-sensitive. It also allows for communications required by law, such as test results and requests for confirmatory tests, to be delivered in person or electronically if the employee agrees, in addition to the current requirement of certified mail. Furthermore, the bill shifts the liability for violations of the drug testing law from "a person" to specifically "an employer," and clarifies that in civil actions for violations, an aggrieved employee or prospective employee must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the violation directly caused their damages, and any attorney fees awarded must be reasonable. Finally, the bill removes a provision that placed the burden of proof on the employer to demonstrate compliance with the law in cases alleging improper drug or alcohol testing.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Workforce (Senate)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 110. (on 01/22/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SSB1014 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SSB1014.html |
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