This bill mandates that employers 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 work exceeds seven hours. Additionally, employees are entitled to a paid rest period of at least 10 minutes for every consecutive four-hour work period, which must occur 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 exemptions if they can demonstrate that the nature of the work prevents regular meal periods. Violations of the provisions can result in civil penalties of up to $100 per violation, 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