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SB 144 — Lactation Spaces
by Senator Berman
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill requires each county courthouse to provide at least one dedicated lactation space, outside of the confines of a restroom, for members of the public to express breast milk or breastfeed in private.
The lactation space must be provided no later than January 1, 2024. It must be hygienic, clean and sanitary, and conducive to maintaining and preventing disease; shielded from public view; free from intrusion while occupied; and contain an electrical outlet.
These requirements do not apply to a courthouse if the person who is responsible for the operation of the courthouse determines that:
- New construction would be required to create the lactation space; and
- The courthouse does not contain a lactation space for employees which may be used by the members of the public, and the courthouse does not have:
- A space that could be repurposed as a lactation space open to the public; or
- A space that could be made private at a reasonable cost using portable materials, contingent upon private funding being made available for those costs.
The bill also authorizes the person responsible for the operation of the facility housing each district court of appeal to use state-appropriated funds or private funding to provide a lactation space.
The bill contains a legislative finding that the bill fulfills an important state interest.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 112-0