Bill
Bill > HF2456
summary
Introduced
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill provides that in order to ensure full participation in the social and economic life of Iowa by persons with disabilities, it is declared to be the policy of the state that competitive and integrated employment shall be considered the first and preferred option when serving persons with disabilities who are of working age to obtain employment. The bill specifies this policy applies to programs and services that provide services and support to help obtain employment for persons with disabilities. The bill directs all state agencies to follow this policy and ensure that it is effectively implemented in their programs and services. The bill shall not be construed to require any employer to give preference to hiring persons with disabilities. The bill prohibits an employer from paying an employee less than the minimum wage provided in Code chapter 91D pursuant to 29 U.S.C. §214(c) on or after July 1, 2027. U.S.C. §214(c) is a provision of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act that authorizes persons with disabilities to be employed for less than the federal minimum wage in certain circumstances. The bill directs the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing to engage in outreach to make employers of persons with disabilities in Iowa aware of the prohibition. The prohibition does not apply to a nonprofit organization operating a sheltered workshop as otherwise provided by law. This exception to the prohibition is repealed July 1, 2028.
AI Summary
This bill declares it the policy of Iowa that "competitive and integrated employment" – meaning work in the regular job market, in settings where people with and without disabilities interact, and paid at least the minimum wage – should be the primary goal for programs and services aimed at helping working-age individuals with disabilities find jobs. All state agencies must implement this policy, though it doesn't force employers to hire people with disabilities. Crucially, starting July 1, 2027, employers will be prohibited from paying workers with disabilities less than the state's minimum wage under a specific federal provision (29 U.S.C. §214(c)), which previously allowed for lower wages in certain situations. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing will inform employers about this change, with an exception for nonprofit organizations operating sheltered workshops, which will be repealed on July 1, 2028.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce. H.J. 292. (on 02/16/2026)
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=HF2456 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2456.html |
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