Rep. Chasey's Bill to Expand Human Rights Act Advances
Santa Fe – Today, the House Labor, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee passed legislation designed to make New Mexico more open and equitable to pregnant women in the work-force. This bill makes certain that women can continue to earn a living while maintaining a healthy pregnancy and be reassured of their job security.
House Bill 196, sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque expands the protections afforded to pregnant workers under the Human Rights Act.Specifically, the bill requires employers to maintain health coverage during leave and to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, unless it would create an undue hardship on the employer.
"It is 2019, and we cannot in good conscience continue to allow employers to discriminate against pregnant workers. Providing female employees with reasonable accommodations during pregnancy is not only good for women and their families, but it's also good for business," said Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque).
According to testimony provided by Rep. Chasey's expert witness, New Mexico is currently second in the nation for the number of discriminatory pregnancy-related complaints.
HB 196 now heads to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
