Bill > SB5217

This bill, known as the Healthy Starts Act, expands pregnancy-related accommodations for employees by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, including more frequent restroom breaks, modified work schedules, temporary job transfers, seating options, scheduling flexibility for medical appointments, and dedicated time and space for breast milk expression. The bill defines "reasonable accommodation" broadly, covering a wide range of potential workplace adjustments such as job restructuring, equipment modifications, and lifting restrictions. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse actions against employees who request or use these accommodations, and they must provide these accommodations unless doing so would impose an "undue hardship" on the business. The Department of Labor and Industries will be responsible for investigating complaints, enforcing the law, and providing online educational materials about pregnancy accommodation rights. Employees who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints with the department or pursue civil action. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to employers with one or more employees, including religious organizations, with specific protections for breast-feeding employees and those with pregnancy-related health conditions.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5217&Year=2025&Initiative=false