Senate Labor Committee advances wage legislation

February 19, 2015

The Iowa Senate Labor Committee passed Senate Study Bill 1151 on Wednesday, February 18. SSB 1151 would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.00 per hour by July 1, 2015, and to $8.75 per hour by July 1, 2016. The bill passed with support from all Democrat committee members and Sen. Rick Bertrand (R-Sioux City).

The committee also passed Senate File 39, which changes the burden of proof to the employer in wage payment claims. An amendment was offered and accepted that added language relating to wage investigators and a hotline. The bill also adds language that you can prove the non-payment was accidental. The bill passed committee on a party line vote and is now eligible for floor debate. The amendment still strikes the word intentionally and makes an employer have the burden of proof. Because of those things ABI still has concerns with the bill.