pregnant employees; reasonable accommodation.

SB 1397, the "Pregnant Workers Protection Act," requires Arizona employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as modified equipment, more frequent breaks, schedule changes, or flexibility for prenatal appointments, unless it causes undue hardship. It prohibits employers from forcing pregnant employees to use vacation or sick time when accommodations are possible and mandates clear written notices to all employees about these requirements. Employers must post the policy visibly and provide written notices at hire, within 180 days of the law’s effective date, and within 10 days of an employee disclosing pregnancy. The law directly affects pregnant employees and their employers across Arizona.