Legislation 08

February 26, 2008

Local 4, Iowa Legislative Update, February 26, 2008

Week 7 of the 2008 Legislature is underway. Next week is the first funnel. So, for most bills/ideas, if they do not get the appropriate start before the end of next week, they are likely dead for this session.

The legislative agenda for the IPFF is directed by the resolutions acted on at the previous year’s, or years’, State Convention(s). It can also be shaped by information, action, and other efforts of the Executive Board in the interim periods.

All of this information is available on line and I encourage all of you to go to the Home Page of the Iowa Legislature-General Assembly. The site is http://www.legis.state.ia.us/. From there, you can read and track legislation, see the history of bills, and do quite a lot of searching. Note: When reading a bill online, there is a summary at the end that states, in plain language, what the bill does. This may save you a lot of reading.

President Reed has previously assured me that some of our bills are still with the Legislative Services Bureau (LSB). To date, there are no draft bills for cancer and infectious disease presumption. Prospects for additional benefits enhancements are poor due to a recommendation by the interim committee based on the fact that the City’s contributions are not at their minimum of 17% at this time.

Lobby Day for the IPFF was February 20, 2008. It was well attended considering poor travel conditions. IAFF 2nd District VP candidate Mark Woolbright was a guest of President Reed and attended the briefing meeting and met with several members. Members received briefings from President Reed and Tom Fey regarding our legislative efforts. Afterwards, members met with their Representatives and Senators to discuss IPFF tracked bills.

IPFF Agenda presented to the Legis. Interim. Comm. on Public Employee Pensions

Chapter 411 – Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI)

1. Contribution Rates (Ch 411)

Maintain 9.35% employee and min 17% employer rates

Current (9.35% employee, 18.75% employer)

Current funding level of system (snapshot in time) is 107%

2. Increase pension base (Ch 411)

Increase benefit base from 66% to 74%

Increase pension upper rate from 82% to 90%

3. Add specific cancer/infectious disease to pension presumptions (Ch 411)

4. Employee doctor choice (Ch 411)

Clarify that doctor choice should be by the employee, not the employer

5. Enforce heart/lung presumption (Ch 411)

6. Adjust PSOB benefit pay

Move the cost of the PSOB benefit from the MFPRSI to the General Fund

IPFF 2008 Legislative Agenda summary from President Reed

MFPRSI—Chapter 411:

Maintain current contribution rates for Employer/Employee
Pursue pension enhancement without any increase to members
Increase regular pension from 82% to 90% by increasing the base 8%
Add Cancer/Infectious to presumption
Clarify that Cities do not have doctor’s choice under Chapter 411
Enforce Heart & Lung presumption under the current law
Bring State of Iowa funding level up to the appropriate level
Shift the cost of PSOB to State General Fund
Review reducing the 25% penalty for early DROP plan withdrawal
Support ISPA proposal for escalator increase

IPERS—Chapter 85:

Lobby to move professional EMS under the protective class

Civil Service—Chapter 400:

Rewrite Civil Service to eliminate discrimination & conflict of interest and move the law back to its original intent which was to “protect employees”
Lift the restrictions of requiring employees to live in the State of Iowa
Elected Association officers time off provision with loss of pay/benefits

Collective Bargaining—Chapter 20:

Bargaining for staffing for “safety sensitive” positions
Prevent the Cities from unilaterally implementing “light duty”
Support the Iowa Federation of Labor’s efforts for Chapter 20 changes

Fundraising Laws:

Oppose any legislation that would adversely effect or seek to eliminate fundraising efforts of a non-profit association

Abbreviations for Bills:

House File (HF)

Senate File (SF)

House Study Bill (HSB)

Senate Study Bill (SSB)

House Concurrent Resolution (HCR)

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR)

Declarations by Lobbyists:

Lobbyists declare support on bills on behalf of a client, not a personal declaration. There are four options when looking up the declarations: For, Against, Undecided, or not listing a declaration. Often and early with bills, a lobbyist will declare undecided in order to indicate they are aware a bill has been produced, but have not made any decisions on the bill. The IPFF lobbyists are Tom Fey and Jack Reed. Their declarations are listed with the bills. The IPFF Support, Monitor, Oppose listings are taken from our lobbyist reports.

HF 247 E911 board memberships 1-14

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided

2-7-07 Introduced/Local Government/Sub Comm.: Schueller, Cohoon, Deyoe

3-8-07 Recommends passage

12-31-07 Ends 2007 actions

1-18-08 Committee recommends passage

2-5 House passes 98-0

2-6 Senate/Local Government

2-7 Sub Comm.: Schoenjahn, Hartsuch, Rielly

EXPLANATION 1 16 This bill provides that a city or township that operates a 1 17 volunteer fire department to the township providing fire 1 18 protection services shall be entitled to voting membership on 1 19 joint E911 service boards. Currently, Code section 34A.3, 1 20 subsection 1, confers voting membership privileges on 1 21 political subdivisions having a public safety agency serving 1 22 territory within a county, and nonvoting membership privileges 1 23 to private safety agencies operating within the area. The 1 24 section provides that a township contracting for such services 1 25 in lieu of operating its own public safety agency shall not be 1 26 entitled to membership privileges, but that the contracting 1 27 entity shall be entitled to a voting or nonvoting membership 1 28 depending on its status as a public or private safety agency. 1 29 The bill provides that a township operating a volunteer fire 1 30 department or a city operating a volunteer fire department not 1 31 financed through city government shall be regarded as a 1 32 political subdivision having a public safety agency, thereby 1 33 conferring voting member status.

HF 2001 Military leaves 1-14 (see HF 2065 1-23)

IPFF: Support 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-14 Introduced/Veterans Affairs

1-15 Sub. Comm.: Bailey, Thomas, Tymeson

1-28 Withdrawn

HF 2008 Campaign communications 1-15

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-15 Introduced/State Government

1-29 Sub Comm.: Wessel-Kroeschell, Jochum, Kaufmann

EXPLANATION 1 18 This bill prohibits the use of an automatic telephone 1 19 dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice call in 1 20 election or ballot issue campaigns. The prohibition applies 1 21 to candidates, authorized representatives of candidates, 1 22 candidate's committees, and political committees. 1 23 The criminal penalty normally associated with violations of 1 24 Code chapter 68A is made inapplicable to violations of the 1 25 bill. A variety of civil remedies for a violation are 1 26 available in Code section 68B.32D, ranging from a reprimand by 1 27 the ethics and campaign disclosure board to a civil penalty of 1 28 not more than $2,000.

HF 2009 County jailers to protective class 1-15

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-15 Introduced/State Government

1-29 Sub Comm.: Jochum, Boal, Mascher

EXPLANATION 1 10 This bill amends Code section 97B.49B to add county jailers 1 11 and detention officers as members in a protection occupation 1 12 for purposes of the Iowa public employees' retirement system.

HF 2011 MFPRSI/Ch 411 1-15

IPFF: Monitor 2-4; Oppose 2-17

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7; Against 2-17

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-15 Introduced/State Government

1-29 Sub Comm.: Jochum, Drake, Mascher, Pettengill, Wendt

EXPLANATION 1 17 This bill makes changes to the Municipal Fire and Police 1 18 Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI) created in Code chapter 1 19 411. 1 20 Code section 411.6, subsection 12, concerning the annual 1 21 readjustment of pensions following retirement, is amended to 1 22 provide that a retired member is eligible to receive this 1 23 readjustment if the member served 29 years and attained the 1 24 age of 50 years prior to the member's termination of 1 25 employment. Current law, which provides that a member who 1 26 serves 22 years and is 55 years of age at the time of 1 27 termination is eligible to receive the readjustment, is 1 28 unchanged by the bill. 1 29 The bill further provides that members of MFPRSI shall not 1 30 have their contribution rates increased to pay for the new 1 31 benefit provided by the bill.

HF 2016 Volunteer FF tax credit 1-15

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-15 Introduced/Ways & Means

1-23 Sub Comm.: Thomas, Huser, Windschitl

EXPLANATION 1 30 This bill provides an individual income tax credit for an 1 31 individual who was a volunteer fire fighter who has met the 1 32 minimum training standards for the entire tax year. The 1 33 credit is to compensate the individual for the volunteer 1 34 services. The amount of the credit equals $250. If the 1 35 individual was not a volunteer for the entire tax year, the 2 1 amount of credit is prorated based upon the months of 2 2 volunteer service. 2 3 The bill takes effect upon enactment and applies 2 4 retroactively to January 1, 2008, for tax years beginning on 2 5 or after that date.

HF 2024 Continued health coverage 1-16

IPFF: Support 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-16 Introduced/Commerce

EXPLANATION 1 31 This bill relates to the continuation of group health 1 32 insurance benefits for spouses of certain retired public 1 33 employees. 1 34 The bill provides that if a state, county, or city employee 1 35 who retired before age 65 continues to participate in the 2 1 group health plan or contract until that person reaches age 2 2 65, the state, county, or city may allow the spouse of the 2 3 retired employee to elect to continue to participate as a 2 4 member of the group health plan or contract at the spouse's 2 5 expense until the spouse also reaches age 65. The bill 2 6 applies to spouses of employees who retired on or after 2 7 January 1, 2005.

HF 2027 MFPRSI/Ch 411 1-16

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-8

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-16 Introduced/State Government

1-29 Sub Comm.: Jochum, Drake, T. Taylor

EXPLANATION 2 16 This bill makes changes to the municipal fire and police 2 17 retirement system of Iowa (MFPRSI) created in Code chapter 2 18 411. 2 19 Code section 411.6, subsection 12, concerning the annual 2 20 readjustment of pensions following retirement, is amended to 2 21 provide that a retired member is eligible to receive this 2 22 readjustment if the member served 18 years and attained the 2 23 age of 60 years prior to the member's termination of 2 24 employment. Current law, which provides that a member who 2 25 serves 22 years and is 55 years of age at the time of 2 26 termination is eligible to receive the readjustment, is 2 27 unchanged by the bill. 2 28 New Code section 411.10 permits current members of MFPRSI 2 29 to purchase service credit for eligible qualified service. 2 30 The bill defines "eligible qualified service" to include 2 31 previous service under MFPRSI in which the member received a 2 32 refund of the member's contributions. The bill provides that 2 33 the member is required to pay the full actuarial cost of the 2 34 service purchase and must make application with the retirement 2 35 system for the purchase of service. The actuarial cost of the 3 1 service purchase is defined as the cost necessary to fund an 3 2 increased retirement allowance resulting from the purchase of 3 3 the permissive service credit. 3 4 The bill further provides that members of MFPRSI shall not 3 5 have their contribution rates increased to pay for the new 3 6 benefits provided by the bill.

HF 2059 Cell/text limitations 1-23

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-23 Introduced/Transportation

1-24 Sub Comm.: Dandekar, Huser, Worthan

EXPLANATION 1 28 This bill prohibits a motor vehicle operator with an 1 29 instruction permit or intermediate license issued under the 1 30 graduated driver licensing program or a special minor's 1 31 license issued for driving to and from school from reading, 1 32 writing, or sending a text message or using a handheld 1 33 cellular telephone or other handheld two=way communication 1 34 device while driving. Exceptions are allowed for the use of a 1 35 cell phone to make 911 calls and calls to law enforcement 2 1 authorities or emergency response agencies in an emergency 2 2 situation. In addition, the bill does not prohibit text 2 3 messaging or using a handheld cell phone when the motor 2 4 vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadway. 2 5 A violation of graduated driver licensing provisions is a 2 6 simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $30. In 2 7 addition, a person 17 years of age must be violation=free for 2 8 12 months to qualify for a full driver's license. 2 9 A violation of special minor's license provisions is a 2 10 simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $30. In 2 11 addition, a violation of the restrictions of the license can 2 12 result in suspension of the license.

HF 2065 Military leaves 1-23 (HF 2001 1-14)

IPFF: Support 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-23 Introduced

1-24 Passed House 97-0

1-28/29 Veterans Affairs: Sub Comm.: Beall, Ragan, Seymour

2-7 Passed Senate 49-0

2-12 Sent to the Governor

2-14 Signed by the Governor

EXPLANATION 3 16 This bill concerns leaves of absences from work for 3 17 purposes of military service. 3 18 Code section 29A.28, concerning leaves of absence for state 3 19 and local government employees, is amended to provide that a 3 20 government employee is only required to take a leave of 3 21 absence for one day for each workday the employee is required 3 22 to take a leave of absence even if the employee's typical 3 23 workday encompasses more than one calendar day. 3 24 Code section 29A.43, concerning leaves of absence for 3 25 employees generally, is amended to provide that a person 3 26 returning from military duty shall, if not restored to the 3 27 position held prior to the leave of absence, be restored to a 3 28 position of like seniority, status, and pay. Current law 3 29 provides that if the person is not restored to the same 3 30 position, the employer is required to restore the person to a 3 31 similar position. The bill also provides that violations of 3 32 Code section 29A.43 shall be prosecuted by the attorney 3 33 general or the county attorney of the county in which the 3 34 violation occurred. 3 35 The bill takes effect upon enactment.

HF 2070 Campaign contributions 1-24

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-24 Introduced/State Government

1-30 Sub Comm.: Wessel-Kroeschell, Jochum, Kaufmann

EXPLANATION 2 29 This bill requires a candidate's committee of a candidate 2 30 for statewide office or the general assembly to file a 2 31 supplementary report with the ethics and campaign disclosure 2 32 board listing each lobbyist, or each political committee 2 33 acting under the direction of a lobbyist that provides bundled 2 34 contributions to the committee in excess of $5,000 in the 2 35 aggregate in a six=month period. A bundled contribution is a 3 1 contribution, made by a lobbyist or by a political committee 3 2 under the direction of a lobbyist, which consists of 3 3 contributions provided by two or more persons. 3 4 The bill prohibits a lobbyist from contributing to the 3 5 campaign of a member of the general assembly or candidate for 3 6 the general assembly and prohibits such a member or candidate 3 7 from accepting such a contribution. Under current law, that 3 8 prohibition applies only during the regular legislative 3 9 session. 3 10 As provided in Code section 68A.701, a willful violation of 3 11 any provision of the campaign finance chapter is a serious 3 12 misdemeanor punishable by confinement for up to one year and a 3 13 fine of at least $315 but not more than $1,875. A variety of 3 14 civil remedies are also available in Code section 68B.32D for 3 15 a violation of Code chapters 68A or 68B or rules of the ethics 3 16 and campaign disclosure board, ranging from a reprimand to a 3 17 civil penalty of not more than $2,000. 3 18 The bill takes effect January 1, 2009.

HF 2085 Combat veterans motor vehicle fees 1-25

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-25 Introduced/Veterans Affairs

2-21 Sub. Comm.: Zirkelbach, Tymeson, Whitead

EXPLANATION 1 28 This bill creates an annual motor vehicle registration fee 1 29 credit for combat veterans. The bill allows combat veterans 1 30 to use the credit on one motor vehicle per registration year 1 31 on a vehicle owned by the combat veteran. The credit is equal 1 32 to 25 percent of the combat veteran's motor vehicle 1 33 registration fee. The bill provides that the credit is 1 34 calculated following imposition of all other reductions, 1 35 exemptions, and credits. 2 1 The bill requires a credit to be prorated for motor vehicle 2 2 registration fees paid during a fractional part of a 2 3 registration year. Credits shall not be applied to 2 4 registration fees paid prior to approval of a combat veteran's 2 5 application for a credit.

HF 2105 Removal of public officials 1-30

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-30 Introduced/State Government

2-6 Sub Comm.: Jacoby, Abdul-Samad, Jacobs

EXPLANATION 1 10 This bill adds misuse or misappropriation of public funds 1 11 or property to the list of reasons for which an appointive or 1 12 elective officer may be removed from office.

HF 2125 Vietnam Conflict fees (SSB 3066 1-22)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-31 Introduced/Veterans Affairs

2-4 Sub Comm.: Bailey, Alons, D. Taylor

EXPLANATION 3 18 This bill creates a Vietnam Conflict veterans bonus for 3 19 certain persons who served on active duty in the United States 3 20 armed forces from July 1, 1958, through May 31, 1975, and who 3 21 have not received a bonus for that service from this or 3 22 another state. Eligible persons may receive $17.50 for each 3 23 month that the person was on active duty in the Vietnam 3 24 service area, within the dates specified, not to exceed a 3 25 total sum of $500. Persons who served on active duty during 3 26 the specified period but not in the Vietnam service area may 3 27 receive $12.50 per month, not to exceed $300. The bill 3 28 provides, however, that a person eligible to receive the bonus 3 29 must have been inducted into active duty from Iowa, had 3 30 previously applied for a bonus from this state and been denied 3 31 based upon residency requirements, and must make an 3 32 application for this bonus by July 1, 2010. The bonus 3 33 payments are exempt from taxation, levy, and execution. A 3 34 criminal penalty is provided for a submission of a fraudulent 3 35 application for the bonus. The bill provides a standing 4 1 appropriation to the department of veterans affairs to pay 4 2 compensation as provided by this bill. The bill provides this 4 3 new Code section is repealed June 30, 2011.

HF 2134 State Police sick leave 2-1

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-1 Introduced/State Government

2-6 Sub Comm.: Jochum, Pettengill, Wendt

EXPLANATION

1 26 This bill provides that the sick leave conversion program

1 27 negotiated under Code chapter 20 between the state and the

1 28 state police officers council labor union for peace officers

1 29 shall provide that a peace officer employed with the

1 30 department of public safety who retires before age 55 shall be

1 31 entitled to participate in the program as if the peace officer

1 32 retired at age 55.

1 33 LSB 6000YH 82

1 34 ec/nh/8

HF 2161 Veteran’s educational waiver

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-7 Introduced/Veterans Affairs

2-21 Sub. Comm.: Zirkelbach, Tymeson, Whitead

EXPLANATION 3 16 This bill requires community colleges and state 3 17 universities to waive tuition charges for not more than 60 3 18 semester credit hours of coursework, minus any state and 3 19 federal education benefits, grants, or scholarships received 3 20 by the veteran, including but not limited to the federal Pell 3 21 grant, if the veteran's federal Montgomery GI bill benefits 3 22 have expired. The bill makes a standing, unlimited 3 23 appropriation to the department of education and the state 3 24 board of regents to pay for the tuition waived by the 3 25 institutions. 3 26 Upon completing the initial 12 semester hours of credit, 3 27 for which tuition charges were waived, the veteran shall have 3 28 a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 3 29 grade scale in order to continue to be eligible for the 3 30 tuition waiver. The bill does not exempt the veteran from 3 31 paying mandatory fees customarily assessed by the community 3 32 college or regents university. Tuition shall be waived for 3 33 the veteran until the veteran reaches the limitation on credit 3 34 hours or achieves an undergraduate degree. The limitation on 3 35 credit hours and semesters of study shall be applied 4 1 cumulatively within the state postsecondary education system.

HF 2332 Work Comp Burial Expenses (formerly HSB 597)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed as hsb

For IPFF: Reed: not listed as hsb

2-20 Introduced, placed on calendar, Floor Manager: T. Taylor

EXPLANATION 1 13 This bill provides a computation for determining workers' 1 14 compensation benefit payments for burial expenses, changing 1 15 from a flat $7,500 to 12 times the statewide average weekly 1 16 wage rate as determined by the department of workforce 1 17 development.

HF 2366 Communications equipment (companion to SSB 3114) (formerly HSB 587)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed as hsb

For IPFF: Reed: not listed as hsb

2-22 Introduced, placed on calendar, Floor Manager: Huser

EXPLANATION 1 15 This bill amends the definitions of "essential county 1 16 purpose" and "essential corporate purpose" to include peace 1 17 officer communication equipment and other emergency services 1 18 communication equipment and systems. A county board of 1 19 supervisors may approve the issuance of general obligation 1 20 bonds to carry out an essential county purpose without 1 21 approval by voters at an election. A city council may approve 1 22 the issuance of general obligation bonds to carry out an 1 23 essential corporate purpose without approval by voters at an 1 24 election. 1 25 The bill takes effect upon enactment.

HSB 509 Campaign signs 1-16

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-17 Recorded/State Government/Wessel-Kroeschell, Kaufmann, Lensing

1-23 0830 hours House Lobbyist Lounge/State Government

1-30 0800 hours House Lobbyist Lounge/State Government

2-7 Voted 20-0 State Government/Floor Manager Wessel-Kroeschell

EXPLANATION 4 12 This bill moves current restrictions concerning campaign 4 13 signs near absentee voting sites and satellite absentee voting 4 14 stations from Code chapter 53 to Code chapter 68A, and 4 15 specifies that the 300 foot restriction is measured from the 4 16 outside door of the voting premises. Code chapter 53 4 17 provisions continue to prohibit electioneering within the 4 18 sight or hearing of voters. 4 19 The bill lowers the reporting threshold for independent 4 20 expenditures from $750 to $100. 4 21 The bill adds a definition for the term "corporation" to 4 22 include limited liability companies and S corporations as that 4 23 term relates to limitations on political campaign 4 24 contributions. 4 25 The bill specifies restrictions on yard signs, providing 4 26 that signs may be placed on property leased for college 4 27 housing facilities on leased property space that is actually 4 28 occupied, and on vacant lots owned by a person who is not a 4 29 prohibited contributor.

HSB 587 Communications equipment 1-29 (companion to SSB 3114) (see HF 2366)

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-29 Recorded/Local Government/Kressig, Kelley, Tjepkes

2-14 0900 hours House Lobbyist Lounge/Local Government

2-22 Approved 18-0 and introduced as HF2366, placed on calendar

Floor Manager: Huser

HSB 592 Whistleblower Protection (companion to SSB 3093)

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-29 Recorded/State Government/Mascher, Jacobs, Lensing

EXPLANATION

2 24 This bill relates to whistleblower complaints submitted to

2 25 the office of citizens' aide. The bill provides that the

2 26 citizens' aide may decline to investigate a whistleblower

2 27 complaint in the same manner as the citizens' aide may decline

2 28 to investigate other complaints filed with the office. The

2 29 bill requires the citizens' aide to issue a written notice to

2 30 the employee if the office declines to investigate a

2 31 whistleblower complaint, with the reason for that

2 32 determination. The bill further provides that if the

2 33 citizens' aide investigates and issues a report with findings,

2 34 the report with findings shall be provided to the

2 35 complainant=employee, the director or head of the employee's

3 1 agency, or to the governor if the agency director or head is

3 2 the subject of the investigation, and to the legislative

3 3 oversight committee. The bill further provides that the

3 4 citizens' aide or any staff member of the citizens' aide shall

3 5 not be compelled to testify about any report with findings it

3 6 issues relative to a whistleblower complaint before the public

3 7 employment relations board.

HSB 593 Communications equipment 1-29

For IPFF: Fey: not listed (Undecided/Trades Council)

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-29 Recorded/State Government/Quirk, Greiner, Shomshor

2-7 0800 hours House Lobbyist Lounge/State Government

EXPLANATION 13 10 This bill makes several changes with regard to electrician 13 11 and alarm system contractor and installer licensure and 13 12 certification legislation passed during the 2007 legislative 13 13 session. 15 18 The bill takes effect upon enactment.

HSB 597 Work comp burial expenses (SSB 3049 1-16) (see HF 2332)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed (Undecided/Trades Council)

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-30 Recorded/Labor/T. Taylor, Horbach, Winkler

2-20 Introduced as HF 2332, Flr Mgr T. Taylor

HSB 611 MFPRSI/Ch 411 pension benefit 2-4

IPFF: pending

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

EXPLANATION 2 14 This bill increases the percentage multiplier applied in 2 15 calculating a retirement benefit under the municipal fire and 2 16 police retirement system of Iowa (MFPRSI). 2 17 The bill increases from 66 percent to 74 percent the 2 18 percentage of a member's average final compensation applied in 2 19 calculating the member's retirement benefit if the member 2 20 terminates employment at age 55 with at least 22 years of 2 21 service. The bill provides that this increased percentage 2 22 will be implemented the July 1 following the determination by 2 23 MFPRSI that the increase can be implemented without an 2 24 increase in the members' contribution rate. 2 25 The bill also provides that the increased percentage shall 2 26 apply to members participating in the deferred retirement 2 27 option plan (DROP) created by Code section 411.6C. The bill 2 28 provides that a member who is still receiving a DROP benefit 2 29 prior to final termination from employment as of the date the 2 30 increased percentage provided by the bill is implemented shall 2 31 have the member's DROP benefit recalculated based upon that 2 32 increased percentage beginning on that date.

HSB 613 Fire alarm licensure 2-5

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

EXPLANATION 9 8 This bill provides for statewide licensing of fire 9 9 sprinkler installers and fire sprinkler maintenance workers in 9 10 new Code chapter 100D. The bill provides that a person shall 9 11 not perform fire protection system installations or 9 12 maintenance without first obtaining a fire sprinkler installer 9 13 or a fire sprinkler maintenance worker license, and requires 9 14 that a licensed fire sprinkler installer or licensed fire 9 15 sprinkler maintenance worker shall be present at all locations 9 16 and at all times when fire protection system installation work 9 17 is being performed. 9 18 The bill contains a definitions section defining various 9 19 forms of employment in capacities involved with fire sprinkler 9 20 installation and maintenance, and defining related terms. The 9 21 bill defines a "fire protection system" as a sprinkler, 9 22 standpipe, hose system, dry system, foam system, or other 9 23 special hazard system for fire protection purposes that is 9 24 composed of an integrated system of underground and overhead 9 25 piping connected to a water source, and provides that such a 9 26 system does not include the water service piping from a city 9 27 main to a structure or building. 9 28 The bill creates a seven=member fire sprinkler installer 9 29 and fire sprinkler maintenance worker advisory board within 9 30 the division of state fire marshal of the department of public 9 31 safety. The state fire marshal, in consultation with the 9 32 advisory board, will promulgate rules for the administration 9 33 and enforcement of the licensing requirements. 9 34 The bill provides that a fire sprinkler installer license 9 35 shall be issued to an applicant possessing five years of 10 1 employment experience as an apprentice sprinkler fitter, and 10 2 who either receives a passing score on the united association 10 3 star fire sprinkler fitter mastery exam or is certified at 10 4 level three by the national institute for certification in 10 5 engineering technologies. A fire sprinkler maintenance worker 10 6 license shall be issued to a person who possesses five years 10 7 of employment experience as an apprentice sprinkler fitter, or 10 8 to a fire extinguishing system contractor, who receives a 10 9 passing score on the united association star fire sprinkler 10 10 fitter mastery exam or who is certified at level three by the 10 11 national institute for certification in engineering 10 12 technologies in the maintenance and testing of sprinkler 10 13 systems. 10 14 The bill specifies that any violation of any provision of 10 15 the Code chapter constitutes a serious misdemeanor. A serious 10 16 misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one 10 17 year and a fine of at least $315 but not more than $1,875. 10 18 The bill states that, in addition, the state fire marshal may 10 19 impose a civil penalty or up to $500 for each day a violation 10 20 continues. 10 21 The bill provides for a temporary license as a fire 10 22 sprinkler installer or a fire sprinkler maintenance worker. 10 23 The bill provides that an applicant issued a temporary license 10 24 pursuant to the bill must pass the licensure examination or 10 25 achieve certification as required for permanent licensure on 10 26 or before July 1, 2010, in order to remain licensed. 10 27 Temporary licensure criteria and accompanying fees shall be 10 28 determined by rule. 10 29 The bill provides for a "grandfathering" provision provided 10 30 an applicant produces proof of prior experience and a passing 10 31 score on the examination. The bill provides for reciprocal 10 32 licensing with other states having fire sprinkler installer or 10 33 fire sprinkler maintenance worker licensing. 10 34 The bill additionally provides, with reference to the 10 35 certification of fire extinguishing system contractors in Code 11 1 chapter 100C, that a contractor shall not perform fire 11 2 protection system installation or maintenance as defined in 11 3 new Code chapter 100D without obtaining a fire sprinkler 11 4 installer or fire sprinkler maintenance worker license.

HSB 635 Mandatory reporting of injuries 2-22

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-22 Introduced/Public Safety

2-22 Committee approves 20-1; Floor Manager: Zirkelbach

EXPLANATION 1 26 Code section 147.111 requires any person holding a license 1 27 in a health=related profession to report any treatment given 1 28 for a gunshot wound, stab wound, or other serious injury which 1 29 appears to have been received in connection with the 1 30 commission of a criminal offense. The required report is to 1 31 be made, within 12 hours of the treatment, to local law 1 32 enforcement. 1 33 This bill extends this requirement to emergency medical 1 34 care providers and expands reportable incidents to include 1 35 homicide or serious injury by motor vehicle. 2 1 Failure to provide the required report is a simple 2 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $65 but not more 2 3 than $625, confinement up to 30 days, or both.

HSB 657 Civil Service promotions, rights 2-13

IPFF: Support 2-17

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-17

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-15

2-13 Recorded/Labor

2-13 Sub. Comm.: T. Taylor, Chambers, Staed

2-26 0900 Sub meeting in the House Lounge

EXPLANATION 6 25 This bill makes several changes to the civil service law. 6 26 The bill specifies what contracting activities of 6 27 commissioners are prohibited. The bill also changes who may 6 28 provide counsel or legal services to the commission by 6 29 requiring the use of independent counsel rather than a city 6 30 attorney. 6 31 The bill requires the names of persons administering any 6 32 appointment or promotion examination to be posted in the city 6 33 hall prior to the examination. The bill also requires an 6 34 appointing authority to consider each candidate on a list of 6 35 qualified candidates before another list may be created. 7 1 The bill changes the process for fire department 7 2 appointments and promotions. Current Code section 400.15 7 3 grants the fire chief appointment and promotion powers. This 7 4 bill would require the fire chief to recommend an individual 7 5 to the commission for approval or rejection within 14 days. 7 6 If such recommendation is approved by the commission, it is 7 7 sent to the city council for approval. 7 8 The bill provides that in situations where a fire chief 7 9 recommends an individual who is not at the top of the 7 10 qualified candidates list, the fire chief is required to 7 11 describe the reasons for the recommendation. The bill also 7 12 allows other individuals on the list to address the commission 7 13 outside the presence of the fire chief if such a 7 14 recommendation is made. 7 15 The bill prohibits retaliation against any individual based 7 16 upon the exercise of any right enumerated in Code chapter 400. 7 17 The bill specifies that the burden of proof is on the employer 7 18 to prove neglect of duty, disobedience, misconduct, or failure 7 19 to perform a duty. The bill also expands the appeal rights of 7 20 civil service employees to include reprimands and clarifies 7 21 who may represent an employee during a hearing or trial. The 7 22 bill also creates a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for 7 23 violations of Code chapter 400. 7 24 The bill may include a state mandate as defined in Code 7 25 section 25B.3. The bill makes inapplicable Code section 7 26 25B.2, subsection 3, which would relieve a political 7 27 subdivision from complying with a state mandate if funding for 7 28 the cost of the state mandate is not provided or specified. 7 29 Therefore, political subdivisions are required to comply with 7 30 any state mandate included in the bill.

HSB 718 PERB/Ch20 Non-Subjects of bargaining

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-21 Introduced

EXPLANATION 13 11 This bill makes changes to Code chapter 20 governing public 13 12 employee collective bargaining. 13 13 Code section 20.1, subsection 7, is amended to provide that 13 14 one of the powers and duties of the public employment 13 15 relations board (PERB) is to represent the board in court. 13 16 Code section 20.6 is amended to provide that PERB shall 13 17 establish the qualifications and procedures for appointing 13 18 fact=finders in the same manner as for arbitrators and 13 19 mediators. 13 20 Code section 20.10, subsection 4, is amended to 13 21 specifically provide that oral expression of views without 13 22 threat of reprisal or force shall not constitute or be 13 23 evidence of a prohibited practice. 13 24 Code section 20.11 is amended to allow a presiding officer 13 25 in a prohibited practice hearing to hear the case through the 13 26 use of technology from a location other than the county where 13 27 the alleged violation occurred. The bill also allows PERB to 13 28 designate one of its members or any other qualified person to 13 29 preside at a prohibited practice hearing. 13 30 The bill amends Code sections 20.11, 20.13, and 20.14 to 13 31 provide that Code chapter 17A, the Iowa administrative 13 32 procedure Act, governs hearing and appeal proceedings 13 33 described in those sections. 13 34 Code section 20.15, concerning certification elections for 13 35 exclusive bargaining representation, is amended to require 14 1 that the current time limits for filing a petition for 14 2 certification of an exclusive bargaining representative also 14 3 apply to petitions for decertification of a certified 14 4 bargaining representative. 14 5 Code section 20.17, subsection 3, concerning bargaining 14 6 procedures, is amended to provide that parties utilizing a 14 7 cooperative alternative bargaining process may exchange their 14 8 initial interest statements in lieu of an initial bargaining 14 9 position during bargaining. 14 10 Code section 20.17, subsection 11, concerning the deadlines 14 11 for community college employee bargaining, is amended to match 14 12 the provisions of the subsection applicable to other 14 13 educational bargaining units. 14 14 Code section 20.18, concerning grievance procedures, is 14 15 amended to provide that an agreement with an employee 14 16 organization may include procedures for the consideration of 14 17 employee organization grievances in addition to public 14 18 employee grievances. 14 19 Code section 20.19, concerning impasse procedures, is 14 20 amended to require that parties using a cooperative 14 21 alternative bargaining process establish impasse procedures at 14 22 the outset of the process. 14 23 Code section 20.21, concerning fact=finding procedures, is 14 24 amended to require that the fact=finder make recommendations 14 25 on each impasse item between the parties and that the parties 14 26 accept or reject the fact=finder's recommendations in their 14 27 entirety. 14 28 Code section 20.22, concerning binding arbitration, is 14 29 amended to provide that arbitration will be conducted by a 14 30 single arbitrator and not a panel of arbitrators. The bill 14 31 also provides for the method of selecting the arbitrator. The 14 32 bill provides that PERB will submit a list of five arbitrators 14 33 to the parties upon the filing of a request for arbitration 14 34 and then each party, in an order determined by lot, shall 14 35 alternatively remove names from the list until one name 15 1 remains.

SF 2007 Police-Fire Chiefs’ age 1-15 (SF 2090 1-23)

SF 2009 FF license plates 1-15

IPFF: Support 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-15 Introduced/Transportation

EXPLANATION 2 27 Under current Code section 321.34, only motor vehicle 2 28 owners who are current or retired members of a paid or 2 29 volunteer fire department may, upon written application to the 2 30 department, order fire fighter special registration plates. 2 31 This bill allows a motor vehicle owner that is a corporation, 2 32 business trust, partnership, limited liability company, or 2 33 other form of business entity to apply for fire fighter 2 34 special registration plates if the vehicle utilizing the 2 35 special registration plates is operated primarily by an 3 1 employee, partner, or officer of the entity who is a current 3 2 or retired member of a paid or volunteer fire department. 3 3 The bill adds additional circumstances under which the fire 3 4 fighter special registration plates must be surrendered by the 3 5 motor vehicle owner. Fire fighter special registration plates 3 6 issued to an owner that is a corporation, business trust, 3 7 partnership, limited liability company, or other form of 3 8 business entity must be surrendered if the motor vehicle is no 3 9 longer primarily operated by an employee, partner, or officer 3 10 of the owner entity who is a current or retired member of a 3 11 paid or volunteer fire department.

SF 2035 Campaign signs 1-23 (Formerly SSB 3031)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-23 Introduced/State Government

1-23 State Government recommends approval 13-0

2-36 Amend S-2035 filed SJ 398

SF 2053 Bargaining subjects/Ch 20 1-28

IPFF: Support 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: For 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: For 2-9

1-28 Introduced/State Government

1-29 Sub Comm.: Danielson, Gaskill, Schmitz

EXPLANATION 1 24 This bill provides that staffing levels due to vacation 1 25 leave utilization is a mandatory subject of bargaining for 1 26 public employment subject to the requirements of Code chapter 1 27 20 governing collective bargaining.

SF 2076 Franchise fees 1-30

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-30 Introduced/Ways & Means

2-4 Sub Comm.: Bolkcom, Quirmbach, Zieman

EXPLANATION 2 6 This bill reenacts the annual appropriation of $8.8 million 2 7 of state franchise tax revenues and its allocation to cities 2 8 and counties. This annual appropriation and allocation were 2 9 repealed in 2003 Iowa Acts, chapter 178, section 11. The 2 10 annual appropriation and allocation will commence with the 2 11 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.

SF 2090 Police-Fire Chiefs’ age 1-31 (SF 2007 1-15)

IPFF: Oppose 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Against 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Against 2-9

1-31 Introduced/Local Government

1-31 Committee recommends approval 11-0/Floor Manager Bolkcom

EXPLANATION 1 12 This bill provides that the maximum age limit of 65 for 1 13 employment of city police officers, marshals, or fire fighters 1 14 does not apply to chiefs of police of cities not subject to 1 15 Code chapter 400, the city civil service law. 1 16 The bill takes effect upon enactment.

SF 2103 Criminal or civil witnesses 2-5

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-5 Introduced/Judiciary

2-11 Sub. Comm.: Hogg, Hancock, Ward

EXPLANATION 1 9 This bill amends Code section 915.23 by prohibiting 1 10 employment discrimination against an employee due to service 1 11 as a witness in a civil proceeding in addition to a criminal 1 12 proceeding.

SF 2185 Bargaining subjects: FD/PD Staffing/Ch 20 2-18

IPFF: not listed

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-18 Introduced/State Government

2-20 Sub. Comm.: Danielson, Gaskill, Kibbie

EXPLANATION 2 14 Code section 20.9, concerning the scope of negotiations 2 15 under Code chapter 20 governing collective bargaining, is 2 16 amended to provide that staffing levels is a mandatory subject 2 17 of bargaining for public employment. 2 18 Code section 85.1, subsection 6, is amended to provide that 2 19 an employer can assume liability for workers' compensation 2 20 coverage of police officers and fire fighters who are entitled 2 21 to benefits under Code chapters 410 and 411.

SF 2188 Time off to attend caucuses 2-18

IPFF: not listed

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-18 Introduced/State Government

2-10 Sub. Comm.: Danielson, Hahn, Kibbie

EXPLANATION 2 33 This bill provides that a person shall be entitled to 2 34 unpaid time off from work to attend a presidential precinct 2 35 caucus for up to four hours beginning one hour prior to the 3 1 start of the precinct caucus. The bill provides that the 3 2 employee shall make a written application with their employer 3 3 for such absence and the employee is not liable for any 3 4 penalty nor shall any deduction be made from the person's 3 5 regular salary or wages except for the period of time of the 3 6 absence. The bill provides that the requirement to allow time 3 7 off does not apply if the person is employed in an emergency 3 8 services position, the employer files a written notice with 3 9 the county commissioner of elections specifying the exigent 3 10 circumstances justifying the denial of such leave and the 3 11 minimum number of persons needed, by position, to protect 3 12 public health and safety, the number of persons not applying 3 13 for leave is less than the minimum number specified by the 3 14 employer, and the denial of leave for those number of persons 3 15 needed to reach the minimum staffing number specified is done 3 16 in a nondiscriminatory manner. 3 17 The bill also permits an employer to provide paid leave for 3 18 the absence or to allow affected employees the option to work 3 19 the hours of the absence at such other time so long as either 3 20 option is made available to all affected employees. 3 21 The bill provides that an employer who denies an employee 3 22 the privilege conferred by this bill to attend a presidential 3 23 precinct caucus commits election misconduct in the fourth 3 24 degree, a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is 3 25 punishable by confinement for no more than 30 days or a fine 3 26 of at least $65 but not more than $625 or by both.

SF 2193 PERB/Ch 20 (formerly SSB 3150)

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

2-19 Introduced/State Government

2-19 Committee approves 13-0

SF 2196 MFPRSI/Ch 411 Purchase of Credits 2-19

IPFF: not listed

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-19 Introduced/State Government

2-20 Sub. Comm.: Danielson, Kibbie, Zieman

EXPLANATION 2 35 This bill makes changes to the municipal fire and police 3 1 retirement system of Iowa (MFPRSI) created in Code chapter 3 2 411. 3 3 New Code section 411.6D permits current members of MFPRSI 3 4 with at least four years of service to purchase eligibility to 3 5 receive an annual readjustment of their pension during 3 6 retirement if they would not otherwise be eligible to receive 3 7 this benefit. Under current law, only members who served 22 3 8 years and attained the age of 55 years prior to the member's 3 9 termination of employment are eligible for this readjustment 3 10 of their pension during retirement. The bill provides that a 3 11 member who wishes to purchase this benefit shall make 3 12 application to the system and pay the costs incurred by the 3 13 system in determining the actuarial cost of purchasing the 3 14 benefit. Upon receipt of the cost of purchasing this benefit, 3 15 the member has 60 days to agree to purchase the benefit and to 3 16 pay the actuarial cost of purchasing the benefit. If the 3 17 member retires within that 60=day period, the bill allows the 3 18 member 90 days from the date of retirement to purchase the 3 19 benefit. The actuarial cost of the purchase is defined as the 3 20 cost necessary to fund an increased retirement benefit 3 21 resulting from the purchase. 3 22 New Code section 411.10 permits current members of MFPRSI 3 23 with at least four years of service to purchase up to three 3 24 years of service credit under the system. The bill provides 3 25 that the member is required to pay the full actuarial cost of 3 26 the service purchase and must make application with the 3 27 retirement system for the purchase of service. The bill 3 28 provides that a member who wishes to purchase service credit 3 29 shall make application to the system and pay the costs 3 30 incurred by the system in determining the actuarial cost of 3 31 purchasing the service credit. Upon receipt of the cost of 3 32 purchasing service credit, the member has 60 days to agree to 3 33 purchase the service credit, or so much of the purchase as the 3 34 member designates, and to pay the actuarial cost of purchasing 3 35 the service credit. If the member retires within that 60=day 4 1 period, the bill allows the member 90 days from the date of 4 2 retirement to purchase the service credit. The actuarial cost 4 3 of the service purchase is defined as the cost necessary to 4 4 fund an increased retirement allowance resulting from the 4 5 purchase of the service credit.

SF 2221 Work Comp Burial Expenses (formerly SSB 3049)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed (For: Trades)

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

2-21 Introduced / Labor

2-21 Committee approves 7-4; Floor Manager: Dvorsky

SSB 3044 Unemployment Benefits

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-16 Recorded/Labor and Business Relations/Dotzler, Dearden, Ward

1-29 1130 hours Senate Lobbyist Lounge/Labor and Business Relations

EXPLANATION

6 32 This bill relates to unemployment insurance benefits and

6 33 brings Iowa into compliance with federal law in order to

6 34 receive additional federal funds.

8 7 The effective and applicability date of the bill section

8 8 amending Code section 96.3 begins on or after July 1, 2008.

8 9 Sections of the bill amending Code sections 96.4 and 96.5

8 10 become effective and applicable to any claim effectively filed

8 11 on or after June 29, 2008.

SSB 3045 Unemployment Changes

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-16 Recorded/Labor and Business Relations/Courtney, Dotzler, Ward

2-6 1400 hours Senate Lobbyist Lounge/Labor and Business Relations

EXPLANATION

1 26 This bill provides that employers who do not participate in

1 27 the initial fact=finding determination of eligibility for

1 28 unemployment insurance benefits but who prevail upon appeal

1 29 will not recover charges for benefits paid to claimants prior

1 30 to the decision denying benefits.

SSB 3049 Work comp burial expenses 1-16 (HSB 597) (see SF 2221)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed (Undecided and For/Trades Council)

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-16 Recorded/Labor and Business Relations/Dvorsky, Hatch, Ward

2-7 1430 hours Senate Lobbyist Lounge/Labor and Business Relations

2-21 Introduced as SF 2221, Floor ManagerDvorsky

SSB 3050 PERB/Ch 20 1-16 (see SF 2193)

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: Undecided 2-7

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-16 Recorded/Labor and Business Relations/Dearden, Dotzler, Ward

2-19 Introduced as SF 2193

SSB 3066 Vietnam Conflict bonus 1-22 (HF 2125)

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: not listed

1-22 Introduced/Veterans Affairs/Kibbie, Beall, Seymour

2-6 Voted-Veterans Affairs

2-7 Introduced as SF 2125

2-7 Committee voted to approve 10-0/Floor Manager Kibbie

EXPLANATION 2 5 This bill concerns the Vietnam Conflict veterans bonus for 2 6 active duty military service between July 1, 1973, and May 31, 2 7 1975. 2 8 The bill provides that the department of veterans affairs, 2 9 not the commission of veterans affairs, establish rules 2 10 concerning this bonus. 2 11 The bill also provides that the bonus is available to a 2 12 person who served on active duty for no less than 120 days and 2 13 who served, for any length of time, between July 1, 1973, and 2 14 May 31, 1975. Current law provides that the person had to 2 15 serve on active duty at least 120 days between July 1, 1973, 2 16 and May 31, 1975. 2 17 The bill takes effect upon enactment and is retroactively 2 18 applicable to July 1, 2007.

SSB 3093 Whistleblower Protection (companion to HSB 592)

IPFF: Monitor 2-4

For IPFF: Fey: not listed

For IPFF: Reed: Undecided 2-9

1-28 Recorded/State Government/Schmitz, Danielson, McKibben

2-5 1230 hours Rm 206/State Government

EXPLANATION

2 24 This bill relates to whistleblower complaints submitted to

2 25 the office of citizens' aide. The bill provides that the

2 26 citizens' aide may decline to investigate a whistleblower

2 27 complaint in the same manner as the citizens' aide may decline

2 28 to investigate other complaints filed with the office. The

2 29 bill requires the citizens' aide to issue a written notice to

2 30 the employee if the office declines to investigate a

2 31 whistleblower complaint, with the reason for that

2 32 determination. The bill further provides that if the