Women's Economic Security Act Summary

• Establishes women and nontraditional jobs grant program to increase women's participation in high-wage, high-demand occupations in skilled trades, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, with at least 50 percent of funds directed to low-income women and women over 50 years old.

• Creates women entrepreneurs business development competitive grant program to facilitate creation and expansion of high-growth, women-owned businesses in construction, transportation, agriculture, technology, and other high economic impact fields.

• Requires businesses with 40+ full-time employees to obtain equal pay certificates for state contracts exceeding $500,000; certificates valid for four years and require attestation of compliance with equal pay laws.

• Expands pregnancy and parenting leave from six weeks to 12 weeks; adds protections for pregnancy accommodations including frequent breaks, seating, and limits on heavy lifting; expands sick leave to cover safety needs related to sexual assault, domestic abuse, or stalking.

• Prohibits wage disclosure restrictions; allows employees to disclose their own wages and discuss others' disclosed wages without retaliation; clarifies nursing mothers' rights to break time and private lactation space with electrical outlet.