The bill aims to expand pregnancy-related accommodations for employees in Washington State by establishing a new chapter in Title 49 RCW. It defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," and "reasonable accommodation," which includes provisions for flexible restroom breaks, modified work schedules, and the right to express breast milk in a private location. Employers are prohibited from denying reasonable accommodations unless they can demonstrate that doing so would impose an undue hardship. Additionally, the bill outlines that any break time for expressing milk must be compensated and that employees cannot be required to use paid leave for this purpose.

The legislation also includes provisions for enforcement, allowing the Department of Labor and Industries to investigate complaints and issue temporary restraining orders if necessary. It establishes civil penalties for violations and mandates the department to provide educational materials regarding employee rights. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing provisions under RCW 43.10.005 related to workplace pregnancy accommodations, ensuring that the new regulations take effect on January 1, 2027. Notably, it includes a new provision allowing breastfeeding individuals to request to be excused from jury service, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting employees during and after pregnancy.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.10.005, 2.36.100
Substitute Bill: 43.10.005, 2.36.100
Second Substitute: 2.36.100
Engrossed Second Substitute: 2.36.100
Bill as Passed Legislature: 2.36.100
Session Law: 2.36.100