119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9671
The Menopausal Workers' Fairness Act of 2026 would make it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate against workers experiencing menopause or menopausal transition symptoms. The bill requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, such as allowing workers to drink water, take additional restroom breaks, sit or stand as needed, and take breaks to eat and drink, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. The law applies to private employers, federal agencies, congressional offices, and state governments. Workers can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and pursue remedies including back pay, damages, and attorney's fees under existing civil rights laws. The bill provides $4.5 million in funding and requires the EEOC to issue detailed regulations within one year, with additional agency guidance following shortly after.