Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF673

Introduced
2/28/25  

Caption

A bill for an act requiring certain weekly workers' compensation benefits to be calculated by including an employee's overtime and premium pay, and to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Impact

By including overtime and premium pay in the calculation of compensation, HF673 aims to better reflect the true earning power of workers who are injured on the job. This adjustment could lead to higher compensation payouts for employees who often work beyond regular hours or receive additional pay for special circumstances. The requirement for an annual cost-of-living adjustment seeks to ensure that the benefits remain relevant in the face of inflation, thereby providing ongoing financial support for injured workers over time.

Summary

House File 673 mandates that certain weekly workers' compensation benefits be calculated to include an employee's overtime and premium pay, thus ensuring workers receive fair compensation based on their actual earnings. This change directly impacts the fundamental computation methods of workers' compensation benefits in the State of Iowa, specifically within Chapter 85 of the Iowa Code regarding workers' compensation. Moreover, the bill stipulates that there will be an annual cost-of-living adjustment for these benefits, in line with adjustments made by the Social Security Administration.

Contention

While this bill holds the potential for significant positive impact on employees' financial well-being in the event of an injury, it may also face opposition from employers concerned about increased compensation costs. Proponents argue that it is a necessary adjustment that acknowledges the realities of the modern workforce, where overtime and premium pay are commonplace. Critics may assert that such changes could lead to higher insurance premiums and additional financial burden on businesses, particularly small enterprises unable to bear the increased costs.

Companion Bills

IA SF455

Similar To A bill for an act requiring certain weekly workers' compensation benefits to be calculated by including an employee's overtime and premium pay, and to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Previously Filed As

IA SF455

A bill for an act requiring certain weekly workers' compensation benefits to be calculated by including an employee's overtime and premium pay, and to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

IA LB522

Change provisions relating to the date when compensation begins and provide for cost-of-living adjustments under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act

IA HB5541

Worker's compensation: benefits; calculation of average weekly wage; modify. Amends sec. 371 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.371) & adds sec. 612.

IA HB5179

Worker's compensation: benefits; payment of death benefits; modify, and expand conclusive presumption of dependency to include certain individuals. Amends secs. 321, 331, 335, 345 & 356 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.321 et seq.).

IA HF421

A bill for an act relating to injuries subject to workers' compensation and including retroactive applicability provisions.

IA A05307

Provides cost-of-living adjustments for certain public retirees, including an adjusted benefit in monthly installments that is equal to the percentage of the change in consumer price index according to the included schedule.

IA S03414

Provides cost-of-living adjustments for certain public retirees, including an adjusted benefit in monthly installments that is equal to the percentage of the change in consumer price index according to the included schedule.

IA SF456

A bill for an act relating to the choice of doctor to treat injured employees under workers' compensation laws and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SB308

Revising workers' compensation insurance laws to remove the limitation on benefits to the state's weekly average wage

IA SF355

A bill for an act relating to overtime pay earned by state employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.