This bill amends Iowa law to extend family medical leave rights to grandparents, aligning them with the provisions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. It specifies that employees who are grandparents will have the same rights as those outlined in the federal Act, and their employers will be subject to the same requirements. The bill introduces modifications to these rights, allowing grandparents to take leave for the birth of a grandchild, to care for a grandchild with a serious health condition, for qualifying exigencies related to a grandchild who is a military member, and to care for a service member grandchild with a serious injury or illness.

Additionally, the bill establishes enforcement mechanisms, designating the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing as responsible for enforcing these provisions under Code chapter 91A, which includes civil remedies and penalties. The director is also tasked with adopting administrative rules to facilitate the implementation of this chapter, which may include additional procedures and definitions as necessary. The bill updates existing sections of the Iowa Code to incorporate these changes, including the addition of new sections specifically addressing the rights of grandparent employees.

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