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The Iowa Standard has obtained a copy of an email detailing advice provided by an Iowa law firm that offers “extensive litigation experience” and represents “school districts, cities and counties” of all sizes across Iowa.

According to the email, based upon the developments of the Iowa Division of Labor, Iowa school districts that would have been subject to the federal mandate are not required to take any action to comply with the requirements set out in the federal mandate.

“This is based upon the fact that the Iowa Division of Labor has stated Iowa employers and their employees are not required to comply with the federal mandate,” the email said. “The Iowa Department of Labor will not be enforcing the mandate.

“Additionally, it would be highly unlikely that the federal government would have authority and jurisdiction over Iowa school districts to enforce the requirements in the federal mandate. Therefore it is our recommendation that regardless of where your school district is in the process of complying with the federal mandate, you are not required to take any further action to comply with the requirements set out in the federal mandate.”

On Friday, the Iowa Division of Labor announced it would not enforce the federal OSHA vaccine mandate.

“As a state plan state, the Iowa Division of Labor is charged with protecting the health and safety of those in the workplace and has the authority to enforce workplace safety and health standards for Iowa businesses,” explained Commissioner Rod Roberts. “Iowa doesn’t have a standard requiring the Covid-19 vaccine or testing. But after closely reviewing the federal OSHA Vaccine Mandate, Iowa has determined it will not adopt the federal standard. Iowa has concluded that it is not necessary because Iowa’s existing standards are at least as effective as the federal standard change.”

Author: Jacob Hall

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