Las Vegas Democrat wants fairness rules in place for pregnant Nevada women

CARSON CITY — A bill requiring employers to accommodate pregnant workers and authorizes the Nevada Equal Rights Commission to investigate complaints was heard Monday by a Senate Committee.

Sponsored by state Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro, D-Las Vegas, Senate Bill 253 creates the Nevada Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act. It is similar to the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act and would apply to businesses with 15 or more employees, as well as state and local governments.

The bill, heard by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Labor and Energy, makes it unlawful for employers to refuse to provide “reasonable accommodations” to employees and applicants for a condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Cannizzaro and other supporters, including labor organizations and women advocacy groups, said the intent is to protect women, especially those who are often the main wage earners in a family.

Read more: http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/las-vegas-democrat-wants-fairness-rules-place-pregnant-nevada