The bill introduces significant amendments to Iowa's laws regarding public employee relations, particularly focusing on collective bargaining, educator employment, and personnel policies. Key changes include the replacement of the term "Administer" with "Interpret, apply, and administer" in Section 20.6, and the removal of certain subsections related to public employee administration. The bill broadens the scope of negotiations to encompass a wider range of employment conditions, reduces the waiting period for recertification of employee organizations from twenty-four months to twelve months, and prohibits direct negotiations between public employees and governing board members unless they are designated bargaining representatives. Additionally, it updates the arbitration process to require consideration of the public employer's ability to levy taxes and appropriate funds, while also streamlining filing and public access requirements for collective bargaining agreements.

Further amendments focus on educator employment, including the establishment of a structured process for adjudicating disputes and clarifying the probationary period for teachers. The bill shortens procedural deadlines for terminating teacher contracts, mandates participation in private hearings, and allows appeals of board decisions. It reinstates seniority rights for civil service employees, modifies the appeal process for civil service commission decisions, and eliminates the requirement for public employers to provide health insurance to all permanent, full-time employees. Overall, the bill aims to restore previous statutory language and practices, enhancing the rights and processes for public employees and educators in Iowa while ensuring transparency and fairness in employment matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20.3, 20.6, 20.8, 20.9, 20.10, 20.12, 20.14, 20.17, 20.22, 20.26, 20.29, 20.30, 20.31, 22.7, 70A.17A, 70A.19, 20.15, 279.14, 279.16, 279.13, 279.19, 279.15, 279.23, 29A.28, 256.9, 22.13A, 400.17, 400.18, 400.19, 400.20, 400.21, 400.22, 400.27, 400.28, 400.12