This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to clarify the functions and responsibilities of the employment appeal board, the workers' compensation commissioner, and the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing in relation to contested cases, judicial review, and liability. It establishes that the employment appeal board will now handle contested cases under specific sections, including section 70A.28 and chapter 20, which pertains to public employment relations. The bill also outlines the procedures for filing applications for rehearing and petitions for judicial review, including the conditions under which these can be filed and the timelines for the appeal board to respond.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the employment appeal board and the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing are not liable for unemployment benefits that are not due under chapter 96 or if funds are unavailable in the unemployment compensation fund. It removes previous language that implied liability and clarifies that the state and the relevant departments will not be responsible for any amounts exceeding the available funds. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the processes related to employment appeals and clarify the legal responsibilities of the involved entities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10A.601, 10A.324