Bill
Bill > HF2607
IA HF2607
IA HF2607A bill for an act exempting service performed for certain employers from eligibility for unemployment insurance, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 2319.)
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill provides that service performed for employers is not considered employment for purposes of eligibility for unemployment benefits (benefits) if specified conditions are met. The employer must certify to the department of workforce development (department) that all owners of the employing unit are members of the old order Amish church or another recognized Amish congregation. The employer must further certify to the department that the employing unit and its owners hold sincere religious objections to participation in governmental insurance or social insurance programs, including unemployment insurance. The employer must not permit any employee to claim or receive benefits for any period of employment covered by the bill. The employer must obtain from each employee a written acknowledgment stating the employee understands that service performed for the employer for wages is not considered employment for purposes of unemployment insurance and that the employee will not be eligible to receive benefits based on such employment. Finally, the employer must annually submit an election to the department and the election must remain in effect. The bill shall not be construed to exempt an employer from any requirement of federal unemployment insurance law or any other tax or employment obligation imposed under state or federal law. The bill applies to service performed for an employer on or after the effective date of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill allows certain employers to be exempt from contributing to unemployment insurance, which is a government program providing temporary financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. To qualify for this exemption, the employer must certify to the department of workforce development that all their owners are members of the Old Order Amish church or another recognized Amish congregation and that they have sincere religious objections to participating in government insurance programs like unemployment insurance. Additionally, the employer must ensure no employee receives unemployment benefits for work performed under this exemption, and must obtain a written acknowledgment from each employee stating they understand they won't be eligible for such benefits. The employer must also annually submit an election to the department to maintain this exemption, which will remain in effect unless revoked by the employer or terminated by the department for non-compliance. Importantly, this exemption does not relieve employers of any federal unemployment insurance requirements or other state or federal tax and employment obligations, and it applies to work performed on or after the bill's effective date.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Labor And Workforce (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 345. (on 02/19/2026)
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=HF2607 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2607.html |
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