Iowa Bill that Would Help Pregnant Workers Advances

A Senate panel has approved a bill that would require Iowa businesses to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees.

Members of a labor and business relations subcommittee approved the bill Feb. 10. It now heads to a full committee for consideration.

The bill would define reasonable accommodations as anything from modifying equipment that a pregnant employee must use to assisting them with their work schedule. The bill states the action cannot impose an undue hardship on the business or employer.

A few business groups oppose the bill.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa says the bill would affirm a decision by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which enforces the state’s civil rights act. The commission said in 2013 that employers must provide such accommodations to pregnant employees.