Arizona: Anti-Discrimination Laws Expanded to Prohibit Pregnancy Discrimination

APPLIES TO

All Employers with 15+ AZ Employees

EFFECTIVE

July 19, 2021

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On February 4, 2021, Arizona Governor Ducey signed House Bill 2045 into law, amending the Arizona Civil Rights Act definition of the phrase “on the basis of sex” to protect workers from pregnancy or childbirth-related discrimination.  This Civil Rights Act applies to employers of fifteen or more employees.

Like other pregnancy anti-discrimination provisions, the amended Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.  Such employees must be treated the same way as non-pregnant employees with similar limitations in their ability to work.

This amendment brings the Arizona Civil Rights Act in alignment with the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act.  It also grants the Arizona Civil Rights Division the authority to investigate pregnancy discrimination charges filed by employees.

Action Items

  1. Have anti-discrimination policies updated where applicable.
  2. Have appropriate personnel trained on the anti-discrimination protections.
  3. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

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