Relating to occupational safety and health standards, employment matters, reporting requirements, and civil liability concerning COVID-19, providing penalties and remedies, and including effective date provisions

The bill prohibits an employer from discharging or in any manner discriminating against an employee because the employee, with no reasonable alternative, refuses in good faith to be exposed to COVID-19. The bill requires an employee to first seek a correction to a dangerous condition in certain circumstances. The bill requires an employer to report every positive case of COVID-19 of an employee to all other employees who work on the premises, all other individuals directly or indirectly invited onto the premises, the local health department, and the Iowa department of public health. Such reports shall not include identifying information about an employee or health information not required by the bill. An employer violating the applicable requirements of the bill shall be assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation and, if applicable, shall reinstate the employee with back pay, pay the employee front pay equal to the total amount of back pay, and reimburse the employee for the employee’s court costs and attorney fees. The bill requires a school district or accredited nonpublic school to report every positive case of COVID-19 of a student to the local health department and the Iowa department of public health. The bill repeals Code chapter 686D, which provides standards for civil liability relating to COVID-19 for premises owners; health care providers; persons who design, manufacture, label, sell, distribute, or donate certain materials relating to COVID-19; and persons generally. The bill takes effect upon enactment.