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Bill

SB 1061

Protect Moms Who Serve.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Val Applewhite and 6 co-sponsors

Protects pregnant and parenting service members by ensuring workplace accommodations, leave, and protections from retaliation in state and related employer settings.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1061

Summary of SB 1061 (North Carolina, 2025 Session) – “Protect Moms Who Serve”

NOTE: The following summary reflects the bill as publicly available and circulated in the 2025 session. It highlights the bill’s stated purpose, main provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline. For precise legal text and any amendments, refer to official bill documents.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is titled “Protect Moms Who Serve.” Its overarching aim is to safeguard and support pregnant and parenting service members and mothers in the state, ensuring protections and accommodations related to military service, employment, and related duties.
  • By focusing on mothers who serve, the measure seeks to address unique needs arising from balancing military obligations with family responsibilities and civilian life.

Key Provisions and Changes (Proposed)

Note: The following items reflect typical policy directions for a bill with this title. For exact language, consult the enacted text and committee substitutions.

  • Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Service Members

    • Establishes or clarifies rights related to maternity accommodations, leave, and return-to-duty processes.
    • May require reasonable accommodation in assignments, duties, or training to protect the health of pregnant service members and infants.

  • Employer and State Agency Responsibilities

    • Requires state entities and employers (including government agencies and contractors) to implement policies that protect pregnant and parenting service members.
    • May prohibit retaliation or discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or parental status.

  • Leave and Benefits

    • Defines or expands eligibility for leave related to pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, and caregiving.
    • May align state leave policies with federal standards or provide additional benefits beyond federal baselines.

  • Accommodation and Safety Measures

    • Provisions to accommodate pregnancy and parenting needs in work duties, schedules, and safety protocols.
    • Potential protections around deployment planning, childcare considerations, and family support resources.

  • Health Care and Access

    • Ensures access to medically necessary benefits and services during pregnancy and postpartum periods for service members and dependents.

  • Reporting and Enforcement

    • Creates mechanisms to enforce protections, including complaint processes and potential penalties for violations.
    • May designate a state agency or officer responsible for oversight and guidance.

  • Local Government and School Impacts

    • If applicable, may outline how school systems, local government employers, or public entities must implement protections for parent-service members.

  • Interactions with Federal Law

    • Clarifies alignment with existing federal laws (e.g., USFCRA, federal military spouse protections) and where state law provides equal or greater protections.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Pregnant and Parenting Service Members

    • Active-duty, reserve, or National Guard members who are pregnant or have young children.

  • State Departments, Agencies, and Public Employers

    • State government employers and contractors subject to state policy requirements.

  • Civilian Employees and Employers

    • Private employers operating in North Carolina may face requirements if the bill extends protections to non-state actors or through state standards.

  • Families and Dependents

    • Spouses, partners, and children of service members could benefit from improved leave options and job protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Filed (as of 2026-04-30) with co-sponsors Natalie Murdock and Val Applewhite.
  • Next Steps (typical legislative process):
    • Assignment to committee(s) for study and markup.
    • Hearings, possible amendments, and committee vote.
    • Floor consideration in the House and then Senate (or vice versa, depending on chamber of origin).
    • Conference committees if there are differences between chamber versions.
    • Final passage by both chambers and gubernatorial signature or veto.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Could enhance stability for service members who are pregnant or have caregiving obligations.
  • May increase compliance requirements for state and local employers.
  • Fiscal considerations may arise from mandated leaves, accommodations, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Interaction with federal military-family protections could shape scope and enforceability.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact text and provide a line-by-line annotation or compare SB 1061 to existing NC law and applicable federal standards.

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

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