House File 248 introduces a new section, 91A.5B, which mandates that employers treat employees who adopt a child up to six years of age in the same manner as biological parents of newborns regarding employment policies, benefits, and protections for the first year following the adoption. This provision aims to ensure that adoptive parents receive similar support and recognition in the workplace as biological parents during a significant transition period.

However, the bill clarifies that employees are not entitled to disability leave unless they have a qualifying disability as defined by the employer's disability policies. This stipulation ensures that while adoptive parents receive certain benefits, the existing criteria for disability leave remain unchanged.