House Committee Approves Pregnancy Accommodation Bill

Legislation that would require employers to negotiate reasonable accommodations with pregnant employees was advanced by a House committee Tuesday.

The House Education and Labor Committee approved the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694) in a 29-17 vote after adopting a manager’s amendment negotiated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, women’s groups, and members of both parties.

The amended version of the bill would make clear that an employee seeking an accommodation is required to communicate their pregnancy, childbirth or other related conditions to their employer, and to actually ask for an accommodation. Once a request is made, the ...