Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, has introduced HB20 to make it unlawful (1) to deny an individual full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations based upon the individual’s weight or body size or (2) for an employer to discriminate against an applicant or employee based upon the applicant or employee’s weight or body size. The bill, assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, also creates a state cause of action against an employer for violations.

Rep. Givan has also introduced HB21 to codify federal requirements into state law for expressing breast milk while on the job. Under existing federal law, employers are required to provide a location and reasonable break time for employees to express breast milk for a period of two years after the need arises.

HB139, by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, would make it unlawful for a person to deny any individual full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations, such as stores, because of their race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.  The term “race” includes hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks, and twists.  The bill creates a cause of action against local school boards, employers, employment agencies and labor organizations, along with public accommodations, if a violation occurs.

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