BW INSIGHTS

DOL Proposes New Rule Regarding Joint Employer Liability

By Ashley L. Ritter | 04.30.2026

On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule to clarify when two or more entities may be considered joint employers under three federal laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). For several years, there... Read More

ICE Reclassifies Form I-9 Violations: What Employers Need to Know

By Danielle D. Smid & Matt J. Mauntel-Medici | 04.28.2026

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently revised its Form I-9 inspection fact sheet in a way that meaningfully increases employer exposure. The revised guidance is dated March 16, 2026, and was posted without formal notice or rulemaking. It reclassifies a wide range of errors that employers have historically been able to correct... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 15

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.27.2026

Capitol Update The 100th day of the 2026 legislative session has come and gone, and lawmakers have now entered “overtime.” As a reminder, Iowa does not have a statutory or constitutional adjournment deadline. Instead, the legislature operates under a target adjournment date, after which lawmakers no longer receive per diem payments for lodging and... Read More

Iowa Supreme Court Reaffirms Limits on General Contractor Liability

By Megan E. Ball | 04.22.2026

The Iowa Supreme Court’s recent decision in Kono v. D.R. Horton, Inc., et al. provides important clarifications for general contractors (GCs) and construction industry stakeholders regarding exposure for injuries to the employees of subcontractors on jobsites. Key Holding: The Court reaffirmed the longstanding rule that GCs ordinarily do not owe a... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 14

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.20.2026

Capitol Update The 100th day of the 2026 legislative session falls this Tuesday, April 21. However, the legislature is unlikely to meet that target adjournment date as lawmakers continue working through the budget and several outstanding policy bills. While adjournment within the next week remains possible, it is more likely that the session will... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 13

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.13.2026

Capitol Update PROPERTY TAX: Identified by both Republican and Democratic legislative leaders as a top priority this session, the Senate advanced its property tax proposal on a 41–4 vote. An amendment to the Senate Property Tax bill was filed Wednesday by Ways and Means Chair Dan Dawson (R–Council Bluffs) and adopted later that same day on the... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 12

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.06.2026

Capitol Update Senate Republicans released their budget targets this week, proposing a 1.2 percent increase for FY 2027 over the current FY 2026 budget. Fiscal year 2027 will mark the second full year under the state’s 3.8 percent flat income tax. The Senate Republican proposal sets a budget target of $9.623 billion, $47 million less than the... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 11

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 03.30.2026

Capitol Update This week was another abbreviated legislative week, with most lawmakers returning to their home districts by Wednesday and minimal activity at the Capitol on Thursday. Shortened schedules may become more common in the weeks ahead as leadership works to determine which policy priorities to advance and how to bring the session to a... Read More

IEEPA Tariff Refunds — Immediate Steps for Importers

By Tim C. Reilly | 03.24.2026

The Supreme Court’s decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump (Feb. 20, 2026) paved the way for refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a March 4, 2026, order directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 10

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 03.23.2026

Capitol Update The second funnel week began slowly, as inclement weather forced the cancellation of floor debate in both chambers. Activity resumed Tuesday, with lawmakers returning to committee and floor work to advance legislation ahead of today’s second funnel deadline. This week also saw renewed movement on property taxes, as the House Ways... Read More