Texas Senate Bill SB45

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the expression of breast milk in the Capitol and other public buildings.

Impact

The impact of SB45 extends to various public buildings, requiring new construction or renovation projects to incorporate dedicated breastfeeding spaces. This ensures that nursing mothers can express milk in a private area that is not merely a bathroom, thereby enhancing their comfort and dignity while supporting public health efforts. The bill could encourage more workplaces to follow suit, improving overall workplace environments for parents across Texas. It emphasizes the importance of accommodating breastfeeding in professional settings, potentially influencing public policy in other states.

Summary

Senate Bill 45 aims to facilitate the expression of breast milk in the Capitol and other public buildings by mandating the provision of suitable spaces for this purpose. The bill amends the Government Code of Texas, introducing Sections that require public employers to ensure that employees have reasonable break times and secure areas, which are shielded from view and free from intrusion, for expressing breast milk. This initiative is a step towards promoting public health and parental rights within public workspaces, intending to make such environments more accommodating for nursing mothers.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed as a positive development for breastfeeding advocacy, there may be some contention regarding the implementation costs and challenges for public employers. Some may raise concerns about the need for additional resources and whether existing facilities can be readily adapted to meet these requirements. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of provisions made for all public employees, including those in smaller municipalities, may surface as critical points of debate among legislators and advocacy groups.