119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8158
The Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act would require employers to provide employees with 96 hours (12 days) of paid leave annually for reproductive health needs, including menstruation, endometriosis, fertility treatments, and pregnancy termination. Employees may request this leave with oral or written notice and as much advance notice as practicable, and employers cannot penalize workers for using it or require them to arrange their own coverage. The bill prohibits retaliation and applies to private sector employees, federal workers, congressional staff, and presidential employees, while allowing states receiving federal funds to be held accountable for non-compliance. Enforcement occurs through the Department of Labor, with workers able to sue for damages, lost wages, and attorney's fees if employers violate these requirements. Federal agencies and the President must issue implementing regulations within 90 to 180 days, with the law taking effect six months after regulations are finalized and an 18-month transition period for existing union contracts.