FINAL BILL REPORT

HCR 4418

BYRepresentatives Wang, Patrick, Cole, Miller, Hine, Allen, R. King, Brough and Grimm

Creating a select committee on employment and the family.

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

The growth in two wage-earner families, single parent families and working women, among other factors, has prompted an examination of employment policies to better accommodate families.

Current law addresses leave from employment for family matters in a limited way.  The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act requires employers to treat pregnancy like any other disability for purposes of employee benefits.  At the state level, a Human Rights Commission rule requires employers to grant leave for the period of pregnancy disability.  Also, the Commission's rule requiring accommodation to handicapped workers may require an employer to grant leave to an employee with a health condition under certain circumstances.  Otherwise, such issues as employee leave from work for the birth or adoption of a child or health condition of the employee are governed by personnel policies or collective bargaining agreements.

SUMMARY:

A select committee on employment and the family is created. The committee will consist of 12 members, 3 from each caucus appointed by the President of the Senate and 3 from each caucus appointed by the Speaker of the House.  The committee is directed to consider issues including but not limited to parental and family leave, medical leave, child care, flexible time and job sharing.

The committee must submit a report, with any findings and recommendations the committee deems necessary, to the Senate and the House by January 15, 1988. An advisory committee may be established to assist in the development of the report, to consist of representatives of labor, business, women's interests, day care and other appropriate groups.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

First Special Session

      House 84  10

      Senate    36     5!np