Pregnancy accommodation clarifications approved

Senators passed a bill April 7 that updates the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act to clarify workplace protections for pregnant workers.

LB627, introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, specifies protections for pregnant workers by applying the same reasonable accommodation standard applied to individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations with respect to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions for workers outlined in the bill include:
• periodic rest;
• equipment for sitting;
• more frequent or longer breaks;
• assistance with manual labor;
• job restructuring;
• light duty assignments;
• modified work schedules;
• temporary transfers to less strenuous or hazardous work;
• time off to recover from childbirth; or
• break time and appropriate facilities for breast-feeding or expressing breast milk.

The bill also prohibits discrimination against an individual who is pregnant, given birth or has a related medical condition in regard to job application procedures or the hiring, compensation, job training, advancement or discharge of employees.

LB627 passed on a 45-0 vote.