Iowa Code Section 280.31, signed into law on May 20, 2021, prohibits public school districts from requiring masks or face coverings for employees, students, or visitors. As you are likely aware, a federal lawsuit challenging Iowa Code 280.31 was recently filed on behalf of a local disability rights organization and...
Three lawyers from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., a Des Moines-based law firm, were recently selected by their peers for “Lawyer of the Year” in respective practice areas in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 edition for Des Moines. Eric Boehlert was selected as Best Lawyer of the Year in Des...
By Attorneys Mike Galloway, Ann Smisek and Elizabeth Heffernan On June 17, 2021, Governor Reynolds’ signed Senate File 342 into law. This bill, also known as the “Back the Blue” law, addresses many code sections and topics pertaining to police departments; however, this client alert focuses specifically on changes to...
By Attorneys Emily Kolbe, Rebecca Reif, Alec LeSher Whether student athletes should be paid has been a hotly debated issue for years. On June 21, the United States Supreme Court weighed in, issuing a lengthy decision in National College Athletic Association v. Alston. The Court was asked to decide whether...
By Attorneys Carrie Weber and Elizabeth Heffernan Last week, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in Mahanoy Area School District v. Levy, a student free speech case involving important First Amendment issues for school districts. Primarily the case considered whether, and to what extent, public school officials may...
March 2020 seems so long ago, and yet just like it was yesterday. While COVID didn’t slow us down work-wise, it did reduce our ability to meet in person with our clients. As we continue to conduct business via Zoom and phone calls – we are excited to announce we...
Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., a Des Moines-based law firm, has been selected for inclusion in the Chambers USA 2021 edition. The firm continues to be recognized in the practice areas of Labor & Employment and Litigation: General Commercial. Since 1990, Chambers USA ranks the leading firms and lawyers in a...
By Attorneys Lindsay Vaught and Alec LeSher Now that all adults are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, employers have questions surrounding their legal responsibilities when it comes to employees and vaccination. This Client Alert addresses some frequently asked questions and the current state of administrative guidance in this evolving...
By Attorneys Alec LeSher and Aaron Hilligas On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which took full effect on April 1, 2021. The ARPA is set to expire on September 30, 2021. Along with providing another round of stimulus checks to qualifying citizens, this...
By Attorney Jenna Bishop During the 2021 legislative session, the Iowa Department of Revenue proposed legislation to remove the multiresidential property tax assessment classification (which was only recently created as of January 1, 2015). The proposed legislation was passed as House File 418, was signed into law by Governor Reynolds...
