Iowa Senate Passes Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill, Awaits Ratification by Governor Branstad

On Monday, March 27, 2017, the Iowa State Senate passed essentially the same version of the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill previously passed by the Iowa House of Representatives. For the applicable amendments to Iowa Workers’ Compensation law, please see our prior blog entry detailing the bill passed by the House. https://baylorevnenworkerscompensationblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/modified-workers-compensation-reform-bill-is-passed-by-iowa-house-of-representatives-still-must-be-addressed-by-iowa-senate/

The bill still awaits signing by Governor Branstad. Assuming the same is ratified by Governor Branstad, the bill will have an effective date of July 1, 2017. Please note that this is important as different provisions will have different applications under Iowa law depending on the effective date and the date of injury.

We would note that various provisions of the bills passed by the House and State Senate are based on concepts arising out of or similar to Nebraska law. We would encourage you to speak with your workers’ compensation attorneys to better understand how these changes in Iowa workers’ compensation law will affect employers’ and insurers’ exposure for Iowa workers’ compensation claims going forward. To discuss any of these issues or if you have any questions regarding the effect of the amendments, please don’t hesitate to contact Iowa workers’ compensation attorneys Amanda Phillips and Paul Barta at APhillips@baylorevnen.com and PBarta@baylorevnen.com.

Upon ratification by Governor Branstad, we will provide a comprehensive update so please stay tuned.