A Kentucky House committee has given preliminary approval to a measure ensuring "reasonable accommodations" for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the workplace.
HB18 inserts new language into the state's civil rights statutes governing employer responsibilities toward workers with disabilities and other conditions warranting special treatment. Democratic bill sponsor Joni Jenkins says a handful of lawmakers refrained from voting in committee until more details are provided, but she promises those questions will be addressed during House debate.
"There were a few passes. There were some people that were concerned about how long you would be providing lactation accommodations," she tells WUKY.
Under the measure, failure to provide facilities for breastfeeding, time off to recover from childbirth, or modify work schedules in a reasonable manner would be considered unlawful. Employers would also be required to notify all workers of the changes.
