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IA SF110

IA SF110
A bill for an act concerning private sector employee drug testing.(Formerly SSB 1014.)


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
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. 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 bill modifies Iowa's private sector employee drug testing law (Code section 730.5) in several key ways. First, it changes the definition of a "safety-sensitive position" to be determined specifically by the employer, rather than by a standard definition. The bill also provides more flexibility in communication methods for drug testing notifications, allowing employers to use in-person exchanges or electronic notifications instead of only certified mail, with the employee having the choice of communication method. Additionally, the bill shifts the legal burden in civil actions related to drug testing violations, requiring employees to prove that a violation directly caused their damages, and specifying that only employers (not individuals) can be held liable for violations. The bill also clarifies that attorney fees awarded in such civil actions must be reasonable. These changes appear to provide employers with more discretion in defining safety-sensitive positions and communication processes, while slightly adjusting the legal framework for potential drug testing-related disputes. The modifications aim to streamline drug testing procedures and provide clearer guidelines for both employers and employees in such scenarios.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Workforce (Senate)

Last Action

Withdrawn. S.J. 1017. (on 05/14/2025)

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