Several human resources related bills advance

Bills addressing nursing mothers, pregnancy discrimination, employer-sponsored prescription plans, and Paid Family Medical Leave (PMFL) exemptions advanced out of their respective chambers.

HB 2266 prohibits an employer with 15 or more employees from requiring a doctor’s note regarding the need for reasonable accommodations for a nursing mother. The House passed HB 2266 unanimously. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

HB 2614 brings several changes to the PMFL program. These changes include exempting individuals who perform casual labor from program coverage, as well as allowing for employees under specific circumstances to bring private action against an employer for unlawful acts. The House passed HB 2614 and the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

SB 6034 provides employees with an additional six months to file complaints with the Human Rights Commission alleging pregnancy discrimination. This increases the current timeline from six months to one year from the time the alleged unfair or discriminatory act took place. The Senate passed SB 6034 and the bill now moves to the House for consideration.

SB 6051 exempts prescription drug plans sponsored by employers or unions that exclusively supplement Medicare Part D coverage from applicable regulations affecting health insurance plans. This bill is a needed statutory change to allow this type of coverage to continue in Washington. The Senate passed SB 6051 unanimously. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.