SF 228: Relating to tort liability, including employer liability and damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles

What it does

This bill relates to tort liability. Under current law, an employer is liable for an employee’s negligence and may be held responsible for direct negligence relating to hiring, training, supervising, or trusting an employee, or other claims of direct negligence on part of the employee’s harmful conduct, subject to certain limitations contained in Code chapter 671A (negligent hiring —— limitations on liability) relating to convictions for public offenses, with certain exceptions. The bill provides that the liability of an employer who is a defendant in a civil action involving a commercial motor vehicle for damages caused by negligence of an employee acting within the scope and course of employment shall be based on respondeat superior if the employer makes certain stipulations.

Lobbying · 25 for, 7 against

For: Agribusiness Association of Iowa; American Council of Engineering Companies; Americans For Prosperity; Annett Holdings; CRST International; Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce; Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce; Faith & Freedom Coalition; Governor's Office; Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC; Iowa Business Council; Iowa Chamber Alliance; and 13 more

Against: AFSCME Iowa Council 61; Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; Iowa State Bar Association; UAW Region 4; United Professionals/UE

In plain words

1. February 7, 2023Filed in the Senate
2. February 7, 2023Approved by the Senate committee
3. February 22, 2023Passed the Senate, 30–19
4. March 28, 2023Took the place of HF 201 on the House floor (the same legislation)
5. March 28, 2023Passed the House, 58–42
6. April 17, 2023Passed the Senate, 31–19
7. May 8, 2023Sent to the Governor
8. May 12, 2023Signed into law