Labor & Employment (Professional Licensing)

in committee · Iowa · House Mar 2, 2026

HF 2466: A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and other career training and making appropriations.

HF 2466, the "Iowa Skilled Workforce Act," clarifies and expands apprenticeship program rules in Iowa. It defines key terms like "intermediary sponsor" (an entity training apprentices for multiple employers) and sets requirements for financial assistance, including a minimum of 100 contact hours per apprentice annually. The bill also establishes a 3-apprentice-to-1-journeyperson supervision ratio for plumbers and mechanical professionals. It affects apprenticeship sponsors, employers, and intermediaries by standardizing program administration, financial aid criteria, and oversight procedures.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands apprenticeship frameworks with training requirements and supervision ratios, strengthening workforce development under labor/employment topic.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 18, 2026

HF 2588: A bill for an act establishing a water and wastewater operator apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates, and making appropriations.

HF 2588 creates a pilot program allowing eligible inmates to train as certified water and wastewater operators through classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and supervised work release placements. It directly affects inmates serving nonviolent sentences within 24 months of release who demonstrate good behavior and meet certification requirements. The program aims to address statewide operator shortages while providing vocational training and post-release employment pathways, with $500,000 appropriated for implementation during fiscal year 2026-2027. The program requires annual reporting on participant outcomes and expires January 16, 2029.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $500,000 for a pilot program addressing workforce shortages, directly funding a state initiative under budgetary allocation.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides vocational training and work release for inmates to reduce recidivism and improve post-release employment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides vocational training and employment pathways for inmates, addressing workforce shortages and supporting post-release employment opportunities.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 16, 2026

HSB 674: A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and other career training and making appropriations.

This bill, the "Iowa Skilled Workforce Act," updates Iowa's apprenticeship framework to support career training. It creates clear definitions for "intermediary sponsors" (entities training multiple employers) and clarifies that partner employers (those using intermediaries) must follow the intermediary's standards. The bill also adds financial assistance for apprenticeship programs meeting a minimum of 100 training hours per apprentice annually and updates plumbing/mechanics licensing rules to allow up to three apprentices per licensed supervisor. It directly affects apprenticeship sponsors, employers, and training programs across Iowa.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides financial assistance for apprenticeship programs requiring 100+ annual training hours, supporting workforce development and career training pathways linked to higher education.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAdds financial assistance for apprenticeships meeting 100+ annual training hours, directly advancing workforce development and career training standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 10, 2026

HF 2383: A bill for an act relating to training for health care facility inspectors, and making appropriations.

HF 2383 creates a program to help certified nurse aides transition into health care facility inspector roles. It requires the state department to establish continuing education for dual certification as both a nurse aide and inspector, and funds a grant program offering up to $2,000 per applicant to cover training costs based on their experience and training needs. The bill also mandates community colleges to develop a 30-40 hour certificate program on inspection processes, abuse prevention, and incident reporting, designed to complement nursing assistant training. These provisions aim to expand the pool of qualified inspectors while providing structured pathways for current nurse aides to advance their careers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds $2,000 grants for nurse aides transitioning to inspectors and mandates inspector training programs, enhancing healthcare facility oversight and workforce development in long-term care.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds $2,000 training grants for nurse aides to transition into inspector roles, enhancing career advancement and employment opportunities in health care facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care Professional Licensing

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 18, 2026

HF 2129: A bill for an act establishing a water and wastewater operator apprenticeship and work release pilot program for inmates, and making appropriations.

HF 2129 establishes a pilot program allowing eligible inmates in Iowa to train as certified water and wastewater operators through classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and supervised work release placements. It directly affects inmates serving nonviolent sentences within 24 months of release who meet behavioral and qualification criteria, aiming to address statewide operator shortages while providing post-release employment pathways. The program requires collaboration between corrections, natural resources, workforce development, and local utilities, with $500,000 appropriated for implementation in fiscal year 2026-2027. Annual reports on participation, certification rates, employment, and recidivism must be submitted to the legislature, and the program expires January 16, 2029.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly makes appropriations for a state-funded pilot program, directly involving government spending on workforce development.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes rehabilitation via job training/work release for inmates, reducing recidivism and addressing correctional system needs through employment pathways.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes apprenticeship program for inmates to gain certified jobs, addressing workforce shortages and providing post-release employment pathways.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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introduced · Iowa · Legislature

1430XD: Department of Education, Programs and Duties (1430XD) - Education, Department of

This bill modifies Iowa's education reporting requirements, establishes a national board certification pilot program for teachers, and updates employee compensation for staff at Iowa's educational services for the blind and deaf. It requires community colleges to submit annual financial data directly to the Iowa Department of Education (DE) by March 15, with DE including a statewide summary in its annual report to lawmakers by February 1. The bill allocates $508,250 for teacher certification awards under the pilot program and mandates DE to establish annual compensation schedules for employees of the blind/visually impaired and deaf programs. These changes affect community colleges, public school teachers seeking certification, and staff at specialized educational programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $508,250 for teacher certification pilot and updates staff compensation, strengthening educator support and program requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentUpdates compensation for educational staff at blind/deaf services, directly advancing wage protections for specific workers within Labor & Employment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Professional Licensing

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 30, 2025

SF 132: A bill for an act relating to Medicaid coverage of maternity care including doula care.

This bill requires Iowa's Medicaid program to cover doula care as part of maternity services for eligible recipients. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish rules for doula certification, enrollment as providers, and fair reimbursement rates that support a livable income for doulas. The policy aims to improve birth outcomes, reduce stillbirths and infant deaths, and lower maternal mortality by expanding access to continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth. The bill applies specifically to Medicaid-covered maternity care under both fee-for-service and managed care models.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires Medicaid to cover doula care for maternity, expanding healthcare access to improve birth outcomes and reduce maternal mortality.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires fair reimbursement rates for doulas to ensure livable income, directly supporting employment standards for healthcare workers in maternity care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health Professional Licensing

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