NC S588

Adds pregnancy to the list of protected classes under North Carolina employment discrimination law (G.S. 95-151), alongside sex, race, ethnic origin, and religious affiliation

Allows State employees to file contested cases alleging discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on pregnancy through the Office of State Human Resources grievance process

Defines pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions (including childbirth and lactation) as a physical impairment under disability law when they substantially limit major life activities

Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations unless doing so would cause undue hardship; accommodations include bathroom breaks, hydration breaks, seating, modified schedules, temporary transfers, assistance with heavy labor, and break time for expressing breast milk

Effective date: July 1, 2026, applying to acts and omissions occurring on or after that date