IA HF48

Requires all employers (expanding from just public employers) to grant employees leave upon request, starting up to 30 days before a contested primary, special, or general election when the employee is a candidate for elective public office

Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees for seeking election to public office or from barring employees from running for office after the employee notifies the employer of their intent to seek election

Prohibits Iowa employers from restricting, limiting, or requiring approval of employee contributions to political committees or candidates' committees

Violations of employee candidacy protections constitute a simple misdemeanor per day of offense, punishable by up to 30 days confinement or fines of $105-$855

Violations of employee contribution protections constitute a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year confinement and fines of $430-$2,560