Iowa Senate Expected to Vote on Paid Family Leave Bill

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would provide paid family leave to state employees, offering four weeks of paid leave for new parents by birth or adoption and one week if their spouse or partner becomes a parent. The bill, introduced by Governor Kim Reynolds, has passed the Iowa House with strong support but is awaiting a vote in the Senate, where some believe it would pass if brought to the floor. Iowa is one of nine states that currently does not guarantee paid family leave for state workers. Advocates see the bill as a positive first step, though some hope for more comprehensive coverage in the future. Critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on small businesses, but the proposal is focused on state employees. The progress of this bill reflects ongoing legislative debates and priorities around family support in Iowa.