A bill for an act relating to membership in the protection occupation category of the Iowa public employees' retirement system for certain social workers.
Impact
If enacted, HF2321 would alter the retirement benefit structure for eligible social workers by reclassifying their previous service as protective occupation service. This change means they could retire with benefits tailored to professionals in higher-risk jobs without needing to pay additional contributions for the reclassification. This adjustment could provide significant long-term financial benefits to qualifying social workers, thereby potentially improving recruitment and retention in the field.
Summary
House File 2321 is a legislative proposal aimed at including certain social workers within the protection occupation category of the Iowa public employees retirement system. Specifically, the bill mandates that social workers employed by the Department of Health and Human Services who conduct child protective assessments and engage in family safety planning qualify for this category. This inclusion acknowledges the risks associated with their work, such as potential physical threats and the nature of their job responsibilities, which often require in-person interactions with vulnerable populations.
Contention
While some legislators support HF2321, arguing that it recognizes and rewards the critical function that social workers perform in child welfare, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of expanding retirement benefits. Critics may argue about the financial sustainability of the public employees retirement system if more categories are added, raising questions about how these changes could affect other public employees and their retirement benefits. The bill does not appear to have generated significant public opposition, but its passage may bring to light broader discussions regarding public sector compensation and retirement policies.
A bill for an act relating to benefits for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation.(See HF 967, HF 1023.)
A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation.(Formerly HSB 265; See HF 1023.)
A bill for an act relating to benefits and contributions for members of the Iowa public employees' retirement system who are employed in a protection occupation. (Formerly HF 967, HSB 265.) Effective date: 07/01/2026
A bill for an act relating to bona fide retirement and subsequent employment as school district support staff under the Iowa public employees' retirement system.
A bill for an act relating to bona fide retirement and subsequent employment as school district support staff or a coach under the Iowa public employees' retirement system.