What happened?

On May 19, 2025, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 248 into law, requiring employers to treat adoptive parents the same as biological parents in certain workplace situations.

Overview:

House File 248 adds a new section—Iowa Code § 91A.5B—to state law. It ensures that employees who adopt a child under the age of six receive the same employment benefits, protections, and policies as employees who are biological parents of newborns, for the first year after adoption.

Key Provisions

• Equal Treatment: Employers must treat adoptive parents of children up to six years old the same as biological parents of newborns.

• Scope: Applies to employment policies, benefits, and protections for one year following the adoption.

• Definition of Adoption: Includes placements through:
  • The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • Licensed child-placing agencies
  • Agencies under the Interstate Compact
  • Independent placements under Iowa law

• Disability Leave: The law does not require employers to provide disability leave unless the employee qualifies under existing disability policies.

Source References

• Iowa Hf 248 – Relating To The Treatment Of Adoptive Parent Employees And Making Penalties Applicable

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