A bill sponsored by State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) that would protect pregnant employees from workplace discrimination passed the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor today.
House Bill 1309 would ensure that no pregnant employee is disciplined, terminated or retaliated against because of a pregnancy accommodation request within the workplace. The bill also requires employers to respond to requests for pregnancy accommodations within a reasonable time frame.
“Women comprise over half of Indiana’s workforce and should be given reasonable accommodations in the workplace during their pregnancies,” Alting said. “Many Hoosier employers already treat their pregnant employees with great respect. This bill would simply ensure all expectant mothers are treated with the dignity they deserve."
HB 1309 continues to require employers to honor all existing federal and state laws regarding employee accommodations, sex discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, family medical leave and disability.
HB 1309 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
