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SB 34

Civil rights: sex discrimination and harassment; definition of sex; modify to include lactating status for employment situations and include pregnancy and lactating status for places of public accommodation or public service. Amends secs. 201 & 301 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2201 & 37.2301).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Chang and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan law now explicitly protects pregnant and lactating people from discrimination in employment and public accommodations, closing existing civil rights gaps.

referred to Committee on Health Policy
#civilrights:generaldiscrimination #civilrights:sexdiscriminationandharassment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 34

Legislative bill overview

SB 34 expands Michigan's civil rights protections by adding lactating status as a protected characteristic in employment situations and extending pregnancy and lactating status protections to public accommodations and public services. The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to clarify that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on these reproductive conditions.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses gaps in existing civil rights law where pregnant and lactating workers or customers could face discrimination without explicit legal recourse. The change affects real-world scenarios including workplace lactation accommodation disputes, breastfeeding in public spaces, and access to services by pregnant or nursing individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Businesses may face compliance expenses related to lactation accommodations (private spaces, pumping breaks) and potential liability training
  • Scope of public accommodation protections: Defining which establishments qualify as "public accommodation" and what "lactating status" protections require could generate disagreement
  • Balancing interests: Some may argue the expansion places excessive burden on employers/businesses; others may counter protections remain insufficient without enforcement mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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