Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB276

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB276 would have significant implications for various state laws regarding workplace discrimination and employee rights. It would impose specific duties on employers and facilitate the enforcement of fair treatment regarding pregnant workers. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would result in undue hardship, shifting the burden of proof onto them. This creates a more secure environment for workers who may otherwise face challenges in balancing employment alongside their personal health needs during and after pregnancy.

Summary

Senate Bill 276, known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, focuses on promoting family health and economic security by addressing workplace limitations for individuals affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The bill mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to employees facing such limitations, ensuring that they are not discriminated against in their workplace. The legislation outlines clear definitions, including who qualifies as a covered entity and what constitutes reasonable accommodations, thus providing a structured legal framework to protect the rights of these employees.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB276 appears to be generally supportive among legislators advocating for women's rights and workplace equality. Supporters argue that the bill represents a crucial step towards ensuring fair treatment and preventing discrimination based on pregnancy. However, there may be some contention among certain employers who express concerns over the potential costs and operational disruptions associated with implementing these accommodations. This dichotomy highlights the tension between advancing employee rights and the perceived burden placed on businesses.

Contention

A notable point of contention stems from the definition of 'undue hardship' for employers when considering accommodation requests. While supporters of the bill advocate for robust protections for workers, some stakeholders argue that the requirements may impose excessive burdens on smaller businesses, potentially complicating their operational flexibility. This highlights a broader debate over the balance of employee protections against business viability and the need for tailored approaches to accommodate various business sizes and sectors.