IA HF26

Requires employers to treat employees who adopt a child up to six years of age the same as employees who are biological parents of a newborn for employment policies, benefits, and protections during the first year of the adoption

Defines "adoption" as permanent placement of a child in Iowa by the Department of Health and Human Services, a licensed agency under chapter 238, an agency meeting interstate compact provisions, or through independent placement under chapter 600

Excludes disability leave from equal treatment requirements—adoptive parents cannot access disability leave without a qualifying disability under employer policies

Violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per pay period per violation, enforced by the Director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing