Washington Extends Pregnancy Protections

Key Takeaways

Impacted Employers: Employers with 15 or more employees

Effective Date: January 1, 2027

Summary: Washington has enacted legislation that extends pregnancy accommodation protections under state law.

Next Steps: Update pregnancy accommodation policies and procedures and train managers on the changes under the law.

The Details

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 6014), which extends pregnancy accommodation protections. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Senate Bill 6014

As background, Washington's workplace pregnancy accommodation law provides certain protections for employees with health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Healthcare Provider Certification Requirements

Under Senate Bill 6014, employers with 15 or more employees cannot require a pregnant employee's healthcare provider to provide certification to accommodate a limit on lifting more than 17 pounds.

Confidentiality Protections

Under the law, records filed with (or maintained by) the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (the Department) must be kept confidential and are not open to public inspection when:

• An employee or applicant had filed a complaint, requested assistance, or participated in an investigation under the law; and
• The records reveal an employee’s identity or contain their personal information (such as their name, address, telephone number, electronic contact information, identifying photograph, and medical or health information related to pregnancy or childbirth).

Note: An individual's personal information may be disclosed in limited circumstances, including to an employer when necessary for investigative purposes. See the text of the law for further details.

Next Steps

Update pregnancy accommodation policies and procedures and train managers on the changes under the law.