This bill amends existing laws related to the Iowa Department of Corrections, specifically addressing collective bargaining, health insurance for surviving spouses and children of certain employees, and various operational and employment matters. It designates nonsupervisory employees with ongoing direct contact with inmates as public safety employees, thereby allowing them to engage in collective bargaining under different procedures than other public employees. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state will pay the full cost of health insurance for the surviving spouse and children of these employees, a change from the previous law which did not require the state to cover these costs.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new responsibilities for the director of the Department of Corrections, including the establishment of a training program for employees in self-defense and de-escalation techniques, the implementation of uniform safety practices across correctional institutions, and the provision of paid leave for employees who witness traumatic events or are held hostage. It also prohibits the department from entering into contracts that provide benefits exceeding those of state employees performing similar work. These changes aim to enhance the safety and support of employees working within the corrections system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20.3, 509A.13D, 904.108, 904.602