Puerto Rico Senate Passes Reasonable Accommodation Bill for Certain Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic
The Puerto Rico Senate has approved unanimously Senate Bill No. 1577 (SB 1577), which seeks to amend Section 9 of Puerto Rico Act No. 44 of July 2, 1985, known as the “Law Prohibiting Discrimination Against Disabled Persons,” to expand its protection and confer certain type of employees the right to a reasonable accommodation in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House of Representatives is considering the bill.
SB 1577 would give employees the right to request a reasonable accommodation if the employee has a disease or health condition identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Department of Health as one that increases the individual’s risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they contract COVID-19.
Among covered employees are those over 65 years old, suffering from asthma, HIV, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, serious heart conditions, chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis, severe obesity, liver disease, or are immunocompromised.
SB 1577 establishes that a reasonable accommodation could include providing additional protective equipment (i.e., gloves and masks), social distancing guarantees, and telework, among others.
If enacted, SB 1577 would also grant employees the right to request a reasonable accommodation if they are legal custodians of children under 14 years old while their school is closed because of the pandemic. Under this scenario, a reasonable accommodation could be to allow employees to telework, if possible.
SB 1577 provides that any reasonable accommodation granted will cease upon agreement between the employee and employer or when the pandemic has officially ended.
We will continue to monitor this bill. Jackson Lewis has a dedicated team tracking and responding to the developing issues facing employers as a result of COVID-19. Please contact a team member or the Jackson Lewis attorney with whom you regularly work if you have questions or need assistance.
© Jackson Lewis P.C. This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient. Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee. For more information, visit https://www.jacksonlewis.com.