The bill introduces a new section to the "Family Caregivers Support Act of 2013" that establishes workplace protections for family caregivers. It makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees based on their family caregiving responsibilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from:
1. Refusing to hire an applicant solely because of their family caregiver responsibilities.
2. Taking adverse action against an employee or discriminating with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment due to the employee's family caregiver responsibilities.
3. Denying requests for flexible scheduling, remote work, or adjusted hours to accommodate family caregiving needs unless such requests cause undue hardship for the employer.
The bill provides an affirmative defense for small employers with fewer than twenty-five employees, allowing them to demonstrate that compliance would cause undue hardship or that they have a reasonable phased plan for compliance. The Human Rights Commission is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to implement and enforce these provisions, conducting investigations and hearings of alleged violations, and may order remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, compensation for lost benefits, and attorneys' fees. The act is set to take effect upon passage.