The bill mandates that employers in Iowa provide reasonable accommodations to employees experiencing medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, upon request and with the advice of the employee's healthcare provider. It introduces a new paragraph to Section 216.6 of the Code, defining "reasonable accommodations" as actions that enable employees to perform their job duties effectively. These accommodations may include modifications such as accessible workspaces, equipment adjustments, job restructuring, and altered work schedules. However, the bill clarifies that such accommodations should not impose an undue hardship on the employer's business.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for employers who fail to comply with these requirements, thereby extending existing protections against discriminatory employment practices to include the failure to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related medical conditions. This legislative change aims to enhance workplace support for pregnant employees, ensuring they can maintain their roles while managing health-related challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 216.6