Legal News

In the first two weeks of Iowa’s 2021 legislative session, multiple bills pertinent to the construction industry have been introduced. Below is a list of bills to watch....By: Davis Brown Law Firm

For many years, construction companies have been faced with the issue of whether they should treat a worker as an employee or independent contractor. Handling the issue incorrectly can have serious consequences. Various courts and regulatory bodies have enforced different standards over the years causing much confusion for construction companies and other employers and risk due to misclassification....By: Davis Brown Law Firm

We are hearing about a budget pinch from many homebuilder and general contractor clients tied to the substantial increases in the cost of lumber and other materials; HBA Iowa reports about an 80% increase in lumber costs since mid-April. As the cost of materials for build projects soars, builders and contractors should review their contracts carefully to see if they have options to get some or all of the increased costs covered by the owner and consider revising their future contracts to help......

On June 14, the Iowa Legislature passed HF2641 which consists of multiple amendments to Iowa tax law. The bill was signed by Governor Reynolds on June 29 and takes effect July 1....By: Davis Brown Law Firm

In October 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began enforcing its Crystalline Silica Dust Rules (“Silica Rules”) within the construction industry. As we noted last November, the Silica Rules require all contractors that engage in activities that create respirable crystalline dust by cutting, grinding, or blasting materials (such as concrete, stone, and brick)…...By: Davis Brown Law Firm

With the passage of SF458, residential contractors will have their right to collect attorney’s fees as part of their mechanic’s liens restored, assuming Governor Reynolds signs bill, which is expected within the next 30 days. The passage of this bill...By: Davis Brown Law Firm

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction and design companies need to review their current contracts, as well as consider modifications to their future contracts, in order to best protect them in these uncertain times. COVID-19 has, and will...By: Davis Brown Law Firm

Prospective employees at a healthcare facility are subject to a significant number of record checks as part of the post-offer and pre-employment process. Employers are required to do a SING check, which incorporates a review of the Iowa Dependent...By: Davis Brown Law Firm

It is no surprise to any Iowa employer that the state has one of the most complex drug testing statutes in the country. Iowa Code §730.5 places the burden specifically on the employer to show strict compliance and can be complicated to navigate with...By: Davis Brown Law Firm

The first “funnel” is now over for the 2020 legislative session. This means if a House bill did not advance out of a full House committee, or a Senate bill did not advance out of a full Senate committee, by the first funnel date, the bill dies....By: Davis Brown Law Firm