Exempting service performed for certain employers from eligibility for unemployment insurance, and including applicability provisions

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 6, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 16, 2026
Done: House committeeFebruary 17, 2026
Next: Passes the House
Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2607 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2607 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill provides that service performed for employers is not considered employment for purposes of eligibility for unemployment benefits (benefits) if specified conditions are met. The employer must certify to the department of workforce development (department) that all owners of the employing unit are members of the old order Amish church or another recognized Amish congregation. The employer must further certify to the department that the employing unit and its owners hold sincere religious objections to participation in governmental insurance or social insurance programs, including unemployment insurance.

Read the full explanation

The employer must not permit any employee to claim or receive benefits for any period of employment covered by the bill. The employer must obtain from each employee a written acknowledgment stating the employee understands that service performed for the employer for wages is not considered employment for purposes of unemployment insurance and that the employee will not be eligible to receive benefits based on such employment. Finally, the employer must annually submit an election to the department and the election must remain in effect. The bill shall not be construed to exempt an employer from any requirement of federal unemployment insurance law or any other tax or employment obligation imposed under state or federal law. The bill applies to service performed for an employer on or after the effective date of the bill.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named February 16, 2026. On February 17, 2026 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§96.37

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Lobbying

1 for · 2 against · 3 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

91st General Assembly

HF 2319Renumbered HF 2607Cleared committeefrom HF 2319

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.