This bill mandates that employers in Iowa provide employees with designated meal and rest periods. Specifically, it requires that employees working at least seven hours receive a meal period of no less than 30 minutes, which should be taken between the second and fifth hours of work, or between the third and sixth hours if the employee works more than seven hours. Additionally, employees are entitled to a paid rest period of at least 10 minutes for every four-hour work period, taken approximately in the middle of that period. The bill clarifies that employers are not obligated to pay for meal periods if employees are free from work duties during that time.

The legislation also outlines exemptions to these requirements, including modifications through collective bargaining agreements, and specifies that certain agricultural jobs are not subject to these meal and rest period mandates. Employers may also seek waivers for meal period requirements under specific circumstances that hinder regular scheduling. Violations of the provisions can result in civil penalties of up to $100 per infraction, which the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing can enforce. The director is granted authority to inspect employment records and interview relevant parties to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10A.202, 10A.204