SF 2248: Providing for paid family and medical leave to certain employees who have a child receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit

What it does

This bill requires an employer who employs or more full-time employees in Iowa to provide an employee who has a child receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit with paid family and medical leave for the duration the child is receiving care in the unit, up to weeks. Such leave shall be compensated at the same hourly rate or salary and with the same benefits, including health care benefits, as the employee normally earns during hours worked. An employer who violates this requirement is liable to an employee for back pay and any other equitable relief the court deems appropriate, including attorney fees and costs. The bill provides the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing the authority to enforce and investigate alleged violations of the bill.

Senate subcommittee · named February 12, 2026

• Sen. Dawn Driscoll (R) · dawn.driscoll@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Molly Donahue (D) · molly.donahue@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jeff Taylor (R) · jeff.taylor@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Episcopal Diocese of Iowa

In plain words

1. February 10, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Workforce committee
2. February 12, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Driscoll, Donahue and Taylor