DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A bill that would require employers to give time off to non-essential workers so they could attend Iowa’s presidential caucuses has received preliminary approval in the Iowa Senate.
A Senate subcommittee backed the bill Tuesday. Under the proposal, employers would be required to provide unpaid leave to workers who want to attend their precinct caucus. There are exemptions for jobs that impact public health or safety or if employers could show they would experience economic distress.

It will move on to the full committee for review later this week in the Democratic-majority Senate. Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Ben Foecke spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would provide greater access to the state’s leadoff presidential caucuses. No Iowa Republican Party officials attended the hearing.