Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0351

Introduced
5/23/23  
Refer
5/23/23  
Report Pass
10/12/23  
Refer
10/12/23  
Report Pass
10/17/23  
Engrossed
10/18/23  
Refer
10/18/23  
Report Pass
5/22/24  
Enrolled
9/26/24  
Chaptered
10/9/24  

Caption

Civil rights: other; public breastfeeding antidiscrimination act; expand to protect public expression of human milk. Amends title & sec. 2 of 2014 PA 197 (MCL 37.232).

Impact

The passage of SB 351 is expected to have a significant positive impact on state laws by strengthening civil rights protections for breastfeeding individuals. It explicitly disallows any actions that could prevent individuals from enjoying services and facilities due to breastfeeding. This amendment represents a proactive move to safeguard and normalize breastfeeding within public spaces and enhance the support for nursing mothers. It sends a message that public expression of breastfeeding is not just tolerated but supported legally.

Summary

Senate Bill 351 aims to expand the protections granted under Michigan's breastfeeding laws. Specifically, it amends the existing legislation to reinforce and clarify the right of individuals to breastfeed and express human milk in public accommodations. The bill's primary focus is on prohibiting businesses and public service providers from discriminating against individuals based on their breastfeeding status, thus promoting a more inclusive environment for nursing mothers. It aims to ensure that breastfeeding is treated equally alongside other consumer rights.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB 351 has been supportive of its measures to enhance rights for breastfeeding individuals. Advocates for breastfeeding rights, including various maternal and child health organizations, have lauded the bill for eliminating barriers that nursing mothers face in public spaces. However, there are concerns from some business groups regarding the potential for increased liability and the compliance burden this law might impose if interpreted too broadly.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB 351 has identified some notable points of contention. While the overall sentiment is in favor of the bill, detractors argue that enforcing such a mandate could lead to misunderstandings and excessive claims against businesses. There is an ongoing conversation about how to balance the rights of breastfeeding mothers and the operational realities of public accommodations, with some suggesting that additional training and guidance may be necessary to ensure that businesses can comply without facing undue hardships.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI SB0366

Energy: natural gas; penalties for natural gas safety violations; modify. Amends sec. 11 of 1969 PA 165 (MCL 483.161).

MI SB0817

Appropriations: department of natural resources; Michigan natural resources trust fund; provide appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024. Creates appropriation act.

MI SB0716

Vehicles: registration plates; personalized license plates for historical vehicles; provide for. Amends secs. 803a & 803b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.803a & 257.803b).

MI SB0935

Juveniles: criminal procedure; raise the age fund; eliminate. Repeals sec. 117i of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.117i).

MI SB0933

Gaming: other; expenditures to the compulsive gaming prevention fund; modify. Amends sec. 16 of 2019 PA 149 (MCL 432.416).

MI SB0744

Education: teachers and administrators; requirements for a teacher to successfully complete a probationary period: modify. Amends sec. 3b of 1937 (Ex Sess) PA 4 (MCL 38.83b).

MI SB0934

Gaming: other; expenditures to the compulsive gaming prevention fund; modify. Amends sec. 16 of 2019 PA 152 (MCL 432.316).

MI SB0931

Gaming: other; compulsive gaming prevention fund; modify. Amends sec. 3 of 1997 PA 70 (MCL 432.253).

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