Texas House Bill HB3552

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition against interference with or restriction of the right to breast-feed; creating a civil action.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would not only affirm the right to breastfeed in public but also establish a civil cause of action for mothers whose rights have been violated. Under the provisions, mothers would be able to seek damages up to $500 for each day a violation occurs, as well as recover attorney's fees. This creates a legal framework that supports breastfeeding and encourages breastfeeding-friendly environments both in public and workplace settings. State agencies are also mandated to implement policies that promote a 'mother-friendly' workplace, further supporting breastfeeding mothers in their careers.

Summary

House Bill 3552 focuses on the promotion of breastfeeding and aims to protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers in Texas. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to ensure that mothers can breastfeed or express milk in any location where they are authorized to be present. It explicitly prohibits interference or restrictions on a mother’s right to breastfeed, which is recognized as a critical aspect of maternal and child health. This aligns with public health initiatives that encourage breastfeeding as a preferred method of infant nutrition.

Contention

While the bill generally has positive intentions towards maternal and child health, there may be points of contention regarding the enforcement of such regulations. Questions may arise about the liabilities that businesses could face under this law, particularly in how they accommodate breastfeeding mothers in public and workplace settings. Furthermore, concerns about how to balance the rights of breastfeeding mothers against the rights of property owners or business operators may lead to debates surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of the bill once passed.