OLYMPIA (AP) — Pregnant workers would be guaranteed accommodations for bathroom, food and water breaks under a measure passed by the House.
The chamber passed House Bill 2307 on a 52-45 vote and the measure now goes to the Senate for consideration. The bill requires that the state's employers provide "reasonable accommodation" for pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related health conditions unless that accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the business.
Under the bill, employers may request a written certification from the woman's doctor related to the accommodation sought. However, the measure would not allow employers to claim undue hardship — or seek a doctor's note — for allowing pregnant women more restroom breaks, food or water breaks, seating, limits on lifting heavy items, or flexible scheduling to accommodate prenatal and postnatal doctor visits.
