Indiana 2023 Regular Session

Indiana Senate Bill SB0425

Introduced

1/19/23

Refer

1/19/23

Caption

Pregnancy accommodation.

Impact

If enacted, SB 425 would modify the existing Indiana Code regarding labor and safety. It would enhance the protections available to pregnant employees by requiring employers to accommodate known pregnancy-related limitations. This change emphasizes the importance of workplace flexibility and aims to prevent discrimination against pregnant employees. The bill also establishes a clear process for making accommodation requests, thereby fostering better communication between employers and employees about necessary workplace adjustments during pregnancy.

Summary

Senate Bill 425 addresses the need for reasonable accommodations in the workplace for employees with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It requires employers to respond to requests for accommodations unless providing such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the employer's business. The bill clearly outlines various forms of reasonable accommodation that can be requested, including access to facilities, flexible work schedules, and job restructuring, among others. This legislative measure aims to support pregnant employees by ensuring they are provided necessary adjustments without the fear of penalties or discrimination.

Contention

Although the bill aims to mitigate discrimination against pregnant employees, there may be concerns regarding the definition of 'undue hardship,' which refers to any action that requires significant difficulty or expense for the employer. Critics could argue that this vague terminology might allow employers to deny reasonable accommodations more easily. Moreover, some may question how this legislation will interact with existing company policies and federal laws, potentially leading to confusion over compliance responsibilities. The balance between supporting employee rights and maintaining business interests is likely to be a focal point of debate as this bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IN HB1024

Pregnancy accommodations.

IN SB0521

Pregnancy and childbirth matters.

IN HF1104

Employer retaliation provisions modified, and pregnancy accommodations modified.

IN SB287

Provides for reasonable accommodations for employees temporarily disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions in the workplace. (8/1/20)

IN SB215

Provides for reasonable accommodations of employees who become temporarily disabled due to certain pregnancy-related medical conditions.(8/1/21) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

IN SB68

Requiring an employer to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.

IN SF1018

Employer retaliation provisions modification; payroll deductions for contributions to nonprofit organizations authorization; pregnancy accommodations modification

IN HB1294

Restraint of pregnant inmates; pregnancy from certain sex offenses.

IN HB1281

Relating to requiring reasonable workplace accommodations for and prohibiting discrimination against employees or applicants for employment with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.

IN A3544

Requires employer to provide certain accommodations to employee who is breast feeding.

Similar Bills

IN SB0001

Abortion.

IN HB1001

Tax and fiscal matters.

PA SB276

Promoting family health and economic security by eliminating discrimination and ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations for workers whose ability to perform the functions of a job are limited by pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.