Bills › 91st General Assembly
Providing for paid family and medical leave to certain employees who have a child receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit
Sponsored by Sen. Molly Donahue (D)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 12, 2026
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Employers with 10 or more full-time workers in Iowa must give parents paid leave if their child is in a neonatal intensive care unit. This leave lasts for up to 12 weeks and pays the employee their normal wage and benefits. If a company breaks this rule, they may have to pay the employee back wages and legal fees.1
Read the official explanation
This bill requires an employer who employs 10 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 12 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. It hasn’t reported yet.
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