House sends bill protecting pregnant employees to governor

SPRINGFIELD — The House gave final sign-off Wednesday to legislation that would give pregnant employees new civil rights in the workplace.

House Bill 8 provides that pregnant women be allowed “reasonable accommodations” on the job such as longer bathroom breaks, seating and time off to recover from childbirth.

The House passed the tweaks made in the Senate 114-0, which clarified the intent of the bill and changed the date the bill becomes effective to 2015. The measure now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has voiced his support for the bill

“There is peace in the valley for the ladies,” said the bill’s chief sponsor Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago.