DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A review from the state auditor shows that since 2010, Iowa has paid out $2.4 million in settlement payments, mostly to former employees. Auditor Mary Mosiman on Thursday released a report on the grievance process and settlement payments made between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2014. The report was prompted by discussion during the 2014 legislative session about settlement agreements that included confidentiality clauses.

Mosiman found 2,679 grievances were filed during that time. Most were denied or resolved without payment, and hundreds were settled by providing back-pay. A total of 38 people, most former employees, received settlement payments totaling $2.4 million. The report says 42 current or former employees had settlement agreements with confidentiality clauses.

Branstad signed an executive order on March 24 ending the use of confidentiality provisions.