Wiser Workplace - California AB 1940 Menopause Protections Explained

Tier 2: Professional organization or credentialed expert guidance
Publisher: Wiser Workplace · Published: September 13, 2026 · Accessed: September 13, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• AB 1940 is a proposed California law introduced in the Assembly in February 2026; it would amend Government Code section 12926 to add perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause and related medical conditions to FEHA's definition of 'sex'.
• AB 1940 passed the Legislature: the Senate passed it 30-1 on August 27, 2026 and the Assembly concurred 65-9 on August 28, 2026, sending it to the Governor, who has until September 30, 2026 to sign or veto.
• The August 21, 2026 Senate floor amendment struck the proposed Government Code section 8245.5 public-awareness campaign, so if enacted the act would amend Civil Code section 51 and Government Code sections 12926 and 12950 only.
• Existing FEHA rules may already cover menopause: a medical condition that limits a major life activity can qualify as a disability, triggering the employer's duty to engage in the interactive process and consider reasonable accommodations.
• The protection would generally apply to employers with five or more employees, the threshold FEHA already uses for its discrimination rules.