HF 2319: Exempting service performed for certain employers from eligibility for unemployment insurance, and including applicability provisions

What it does

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.

House subcommittee · named February 16, 2026

• Rep. Chad Ingels (R) · chad.ingels@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Daniel Gosa (D) · daniel.gosa@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Travis M. Sitzmann (R) · travis.sitzmann@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 2 against

For: Heartland Strategies, LLC

Against: IBEW Iowa State Conference; Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

In plain words

1. February 6, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Labor and Workforce committee
2. February 16, 2026House subcommittee named: Ingels, Gosa and Sitzmann
3. February 17, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 10–6
6. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2607