The bill amends Section 28-5-7.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-5, which pertains to Fair Employment Practices, to include provisions for accommodating menopause-related conditions alongside existing protections for pregnancy-related conditions. Key changes include the insertion of language that explicitly recognizes menopause as a condition that requires reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Employers are prohibited from refusing to accommodate employees' conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause unless they can demonstrate that such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on their business.

Additionally, the bill mandates that employers provide written notice of employees' rights regarding accommodations for pregnancy and menopause-related conditions. It clarifies that employers are not required to create additional employment opportunities or discharge employees to accommodate these conditions unless they would do so for other classes of employees needing similar accommodations. The bill aims to enhance protections against discrimination based on pregnancy and menopause, ensuring that employees have the right to reasonable accommodations without fear of retaliation or denial of employment opportunities. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6161: 28-5-7.4