Texas House Bill HB3320

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 3320 will amend the Health and Safety Code, particularly Sections 165.001 and 165.002. The changes will make it illegal for any person to interfere with or restrict a mother's right to breastfeed, thus enhancing legal protections for breastfeeding mothers in public settings. Furthermore, the bill introduces civil penalties for violations, establishing a framework for enforcement that includes both state and local involvement in filing suit over such infractions.

Summary

House Bill 3320 seeks to promote breastfeeding by affirming a mother's right to breastfeed in any location where she is authorized to be. The bill emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding as a fundamental aspect of maternal and child health, aligning with federal initiatives aimed at supporting infant nutrition. By reinforcing these rights, the legislation aims to foster a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers throughout Texas.

Contention

Despite the bill's supportive premise, potential points of contention may arise regarding how these provisions will be enforced, especially in public spaces or workplaces. Critics may express concerns about the implications of civil penalties and the capacity for enforcement without infringing upon individual freedoms. The legislation attempts to balance the enforcement of breastfeeding rights with appropriate sensitivity to the rights of businesses and property owners in managing their spaces. Nonetheless, it represents a significant step towards protecting the rights of breastfeeding mothers in Texas.