HCR 148

                SPONSOR:
                Rep. Kamela Smith & Rep. Neal & Sen. Pettyjohn & Sen. Poore
                Reps. Berry, Bolden, Gorman, Griffith, Morrison, Snyder-Hall, Chukwuocha, K. Johnson, Ross Levin; Sens. Hoffner, Wilson, Lockman
        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
        153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
        HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 148
        A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE EDUCATIONAL STRATEGY ON MENOPAUSE.
        WHEREAS, menopause and perimenopause are natural biological phases experienced by a significant portion of Delaware’s population; and
        WHEREAS, symptoms associated with menopause may impact individuals in the workplace differently; and
        WHEREAS, increasing awareness and understanding of menopause can normalize conversations and reduce stigma surrounding menopause, promote health equity and inclusion, dignity, respect and support a stronger and more inclusive and productive workforce; and
        WHEREAS, workplace education can empower employees to access available resources and support; and
        WHEREAS, despite its prevalence, menopause remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized in workplace settings, creating barriers that prevent women from seeking support or accommodations; and
        WHEREAS, the Society for Women's Health Research conducted the EMPACT Menopause Study in 2024, surveying employees and supervisors on workplace experiences during the menopause transition; and
        WHEREAS, reasonable workplace accommodations such as flexible scheduling, access to temperature controls, remote work options, and access to restroom facilities can meaningfully reduce the impact of menopause symptoms on a woman’s ability to perform her job and remain engaged in her career; and
        WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Human Resources is well positioned to lead the development of a statewide educational strategy to support employers and employees.
        NOW, THEREFORE:
        BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153
          rd
         General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the Delaware Department of Human Resources will report to the members of the Senate Health and Social Services Committee and the House Health & Human Development Committee with a statewide educational strategy on menopause to support public and private organizations and to improve understanding of its impact on Delaware’s work force no later than  June 30, 2027.
        SYNOPSIS
        This Concurrent Resolution urges the Delaware Department of Human Resources to develop a statewide educational strategy on menopause to support public and private organizations and to improve understanding of menopause’s impact on Delaware’s workforce.
        This report is due no later than June 30, 2027.