IA HF170

Railroad corporations must provide employees at least four occurrences of leave per academic year to attend scheduled school-sponsored activities for the employee's child when the activity cannot be scheduled during nonwork hours

An "occurrence" is defined as up to three consecutive days of leave, and leave cannot be taken on federal holidays

Employees must submit written leave requests at least 14 calendar days in advance, or 24 hours in emergency situations; employers may require written documentation of the school activity

Railroad corporations have discretion to provide paid or unpaid leave and are prohibited from discharging, disciplining, penalizing, or retaliating against employees for taking this leave

Violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per pay period, administered and enforced by the Director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing under Iowa Code chapter 91A