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AB 1940

Unlawful practices: discrimination: menopause.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and 13 co-sponsors

California bill AB 1940 would designate menopause-related discrimination as an unlawful employment practice, potentially requiring workplace accommodations and legal protections for affected workers.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 4. Noes 0.) (July 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#unlawfulpractices #discrimination #menopause
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Bill Summary · AB 1940

Legislative bill overview

AB 1940 proposes to classify menopause-related discrimination as an unlawful employment practice in California. The bill would add menopause to the state's protected categories under fair employment laws, potentially requiring employers to provide accommodations for menopause symptoms and prohibiting discrimination based on menopausal status.

Why is this important

Menopause affects approximately 1 million California workers annually, with symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and sleep disruption impacting job performance and workplace comfort. This legislation could establish legal recourse for workers experiencing discriminatory treatment or hostile work environments due to menopause, while potentially requiring employers to implement reasonable accommodations similar to those provided for disability or medical conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: Disagreement over whether menopause qualifies as a disability or protected characteristic, and how broadly "menopause-related" discrimination would be defined in enforcement
  • Employer compliance burden: Concerns from businesses about accommodation costs, administrative complexity, and potential liability exposure compared to existing disability frameworks
  • Medical gatekeeping: Questions about whether employees need medical documentation, how diagnosis variations affect protections, and whether this duplicates existing disability law remedies

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

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