A bill for an act prohibiting employer control of employee political candidacy and contributions, and making penalties applicable.

HF 48 requires public employers in Iowa to grant leave to public employees running for elected office during election periods (30 days before an election until the day after) and prohibits public employers from retaliating against employees who seek public office. The bill also prohibits all employers in Iowa from restricting employees' political contributions, such as by requiring approval, setting contribution limits, or punishing employees for contributing or not contributing to political committees. Violating the public employee provisions is a simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail or a $855 fine), while violating contribution restrictions is a serious misdemeanor (up to one year in jail or a $2,560 fine). The bill directly affects public employees seeking elected office and all employers operating in Iowa.