The bill aims to expand pregnancy-related accommodations for employees in Washington State by amending existing laws. It redefines "employer" to include any entity employing one or more persons, as well as religious organizations not organized for private profit. The bill outlines various reasonable accommodations that employers must provide for pregnant employees, such as flexible restroom breaks, modified work schedules, and assistance with manual labor. It also mandates that break time for expressing breast milk must be paid and that employers cannot require employees to take leave if another reasonable accommodation is available. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that employers cannot claim undue hardship for certain accommodations and establishes that employees have the right to seek civil action for violations.

Furthermore, the bill amends jury service regulations to allow individuals who are breastfeeding to request a delay or exemption from jury duty without needing a doctor's note. This provision aims to ensure that breastfeeding individuals are not unduly burdened by jury service obligations. The bill also includes provisions for the development of an attestation form for such requests and clarifies that courts must grant these requests. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance protections for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals in the workplace and during civic duties.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.10.005, 2.36.100