Bill > SB166

This bill amends Delaware state law to provide comprehensive protections and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students in educational programs receiving state approval or financial assistance. The bill mandates that schools cannot discriminate against students based on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting status, or guardianship, and must provide a range of supportive measures. These accommodations include excused absences for medical appointments, childbirth, and child-related needs (such as court appearances or child illness), with specific provisions for up to 6 weeks of excused absence after childbirth. The bill also requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations like access to private lactation rooms, flexible scheduling, academic support services, transportation modifications, and the ability to make up missed work without academic penalty. Schools must provide these accommodations without requiring extensive documentation and cannot force students to accept accommodations they do not want. The goal is to ensure that pregnant and parenting students can continue their education without facing undue hardship or discrimination. The bill will take effect on July 1 following its enactment, with the Department of Education responsible for creating regulations to implement these new protections.

Education

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142393