Iowa Code 915.23 – Employment discrimination against witnesses prohibited
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
1. An employer shall not discharge an employee, or take or fail to take action regarding an employee’s promotion or proposed promotion, or take action to reduce an employee’s wages or benefits for actual time worked, due to the service of an employee as a witness in a criminal proceeding or as a plaintiff, defendant, or witness in a civil proceeding pursuant to chapter 235F or 236.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Simple misdemeanor | up to 30 days | between $105 and $855 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 915.23
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
2. An employer who violates this section commits a simple misdemeanor.
3. An employee whose employer violates this section shall also be entitled to recover damages from the employer. Damages recoverable under this section include, but are not limited to, actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees.
4. The employee may also petition the court for imposition of a cease and desist order against the person‘s employer and for reinstatement to the person’s previous position of employment.