Bill Summary for S 588 (2025-2026)

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Summary date: 

Mar 31 2025

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details(link is external)2025-2026 Session
Senate Bill 588 (Public) Filed Tuesday, March 25, 2025
AN ACT TO PROTECT PREGNANT WOMEN FROM DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES.
Intro. by Murdock, Chitlik.

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Bill summary

Expands the protected classes under the State’s employment discrimination statute (GS 95-151) to include pregnancy. Makes conforming changes to GS 126-34.02 (grievance procedures stemming from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation claims under the State Human Resources Act) to include pregnancy. Makes it a discriminatory practice under the State’s Disabilities Protection Act (GS 168A-5) for an employer to fail to provide reasonable accommodations (as described) for any limitation of an employee related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, unless the employer can demonstrate that providing such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of the employer. Defines pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions in GS 168A-3 to include pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, including lactation. Pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions are considered a physical impairment when they substantially limit one or more major life activities. Includes pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions in the definition of handicapping condition under the State’s Fair Housing Act.

Applies to acts and omission occurring on or after July 1, 2026.