Workers’ Comp Watch

March 23, 2017

At the time of this newsletter, the Iowa Senate has yet to take up the workers’ compensation reform bill. The legislation is on the Senate calendar and could be taken up at any time.

Last week, the Iowa House passed HF 518, by a vote of 55-38, with seven members absent or abstaining. Rep. Rob Taylor (R-West Des Moines) joined House Democrats in voting no. After the vote was taken, Rep. Clel Baudler (R-Greenfield), who was not in the chamber at the time of the vote, provided an explanation in the House journal stating that, if present, he would have voted no.

As Rep. Gary Carlson said during his closing comments, "The goal is always to make Iowa safer and a more desirable place to work.” This bill will help bring balance back to the workers’ compensation system to the benefit of employees and employers and help ensure Iowa remains a competitive, desireable place to do business. Click here for details, which were provided in last week’s newsletter, on how the bill makes much needed changes to rebalance the workers’ compensation system.

It is critical that senators hear from advocates of this important reform. Contact your senator now and ask him/her to support HF 518! Our opponents are running radio ads with accusations this bill was drafted in the dark by big insurance companies. Click here to listen to the ad. We need you and your employees to counter this message. Contact your senator, attend an upcoming legislative forum and write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Let others know how important this is to the business community. For more information about the bill or how you can help contact Nicole Crain, ncrain@iowaabi.org, or Jessica Harder, jharder@iowaabi.org.