MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)
June 29, 2009
Some of the highest-profile measures among the many new laws that take effect in Iowa on Wednesday grew out of allegations of employer misconduct.
The state's move in February to close a home for mentally disabled adults in Atalissa and take 21 men into state custody prompted laws dealing with government oversight of such centers and businesses that employ disabled workers.
Other measures were passed in the wake of a 2008 immigration raid at the Agriprocessors slaughterhouse that led to the arrest of hundreds of workers as well as criminal charges against former managers and allegations of wage and safety violations at the plant.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said those cases could lead to more laws in the future.
"I'm not sure we've done enough," Gronstal said.
In the Atalissa case, the state closed a dilapidated house and removed the men after learning of the conditions they were living in. Investigators later found that most of what the men were paid for working at a nearby meatpacker was diverted to a Texas labor contractor who covered their living expenses. The contractor now faces $900,000 in state fines for alleged labor-law violations.
An inquiry also found that various state agencies knew aspects of the situation but had taken little action.
In response, the Legislature approved a measure requiring operators of homes for mentally disabled adults to register with the state and allow inspections by state officials. The new law also spells out the definition of an adult care center.
The measure also creates a database of businesses that are employing workers under a special certificate allowing them to be paid a lower wage.
Prompted by the situation at Agriprocessors, in Postville, legislators updated Iowa's labor laws, substantially toughening penalties for businesses that don't pay promised wages to workers and that improperly employ children. Penalties for individual offenses were increased to $500 from $100. The law taking effect Wednesday also enables the state to pursue civil penalties.
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