The bill aims to expand pregnancy-related accommodations for employees in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," and "reasonable accommodation," which includes various adjustments like flexible restroom breaks, modified work schedules, and provisions for expressing breast milk. The bill establishes that it is an unfair practice for employers to fail to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy unless they can demonstrate undue hardship. Additionally, it mandates that any break time for expressing milk must be compensated and that employers must provide online educational materials regarding the rights and responsibilities related to pregnancy accommodations.

Furthermore, the bill repeals existing provisions under RCW 43.10.005 and introduces a new chapter in Title 49 RCW, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. It outlines the enforcement mechanisms, including the department of labor and industries' role in investigating complaints and the ability for individuals to pursue civil action for violations. The bill also specifies that civil penalties for non-compliance will be assessed and deposited into a supplemental pension fund. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance protections for pregnant employees and ensure they receive necessary accommodations in the workplace.

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