House committee hears bill to strengthen workplace protections and accommodation guidance for people with disabilities

The House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards heard testimony March 3 on House Bill 2742, a measure sponsors said would strengthen workplace accommodation guidance and protections for people with disabilities and expand anti‑discrimination coverage for local government services.

Representative Travis Nelson told the committee the bill would direct the Bureau of Labor and Industries to provide clearer guidance on reasonable accommodations, establish low‑ or no‑cost mediation services for accommodation disputes, prohibit unnecessary physical job requirements and require union representation in accommodation discussions. He said the bill would also require state agencies and contractors to include inclusive outreach and hiring strategies in affirmative…