A bill for an act relating to the treatment of adoptive parent employees and making penalties applicable.

HF 26 requires Iowa employers to treat adoptive parents the same as biological parents for job benefits, protections, and policies during the first year after adopting a child under six years old. It applies to most employers covered under Iowa’s employment laws and defines "adoption" broadly to include placements through state agencies, licensed groups, or independent arrangements. The bill explicitly states adoptive parents cannot take disability leave unless they have a qualifying medical condition under the employer’s existing policies. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $500 per pay period.