Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law expanding citizenship and work-authorization verification requirements for state employment and professional licensing. The measure requires state agencies, schools, and licensing boards to use federal databases, including…
Posts by Category: Iowa
New Hires to Undergo E-Verify Check Under Passed Iowa Immigration Bill
An Iowa bill will require state agencies, local governments, and schools to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that new employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S. The measure expands earlier policies and aligns with broader efforts to verify…
Des Moines Schools’ Background Check Firm Accused of Unlicensed Work
An investigation found that a background check firm hired by Des Moines Public Schools performed work without proper licensing while vetting superintendent Ian Roberts. The firm’s screening missed major red flags, including aspects of his criminal and immigration…
Minnesota, Iowa Modify Employer Drug Testing Requirements
Minnesota and Iowa have updated their employer drug testing laws. Minnesota now permits oral fluid testing for drugs,including cannabis, under its Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act. Employers must comply with statutoryrules, such as providing test results…
Iowa to Use ID.me for ID Verification in Unemployment Applications
Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is partnering with ID.me for faster ID verification in the unemployment system. Iowans must use ID.me to verify their identity when applying for unemployment benefits by April 1st. The process aims to reduce fraudulent claims and…
Ruling Raises Important Considerations for Independent Contractor Background Screening
A decision by the Southern District of Iowa in Smith v. Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company has provided some hope for those seeking ways to defend against Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) class action claims. The plaintiff in the case claimed he did not obtain a…
Removing Birthdate From Iowa Court Records Could Have Unintended Consequences
Many federal, state and local public agencies and courts are actively considering whether to remove or redact identifiers from public records and documents. The Iowa State Court Administration is considering redacting (masking) the date of birth (DOB) from court…
Dot Every “i” in Iowa to Comply with Drug Testing Law
Iowa Code § 730.5, which relates to private sector drug and alcohol testing, is a strict liability statute and many consider it complicated and difficult to administer. Even if an employee tests positive for illegal drugs the employer is required, among other things,…







