Texas House Bill HB1898

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to state government worksite breast-feeding policies.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1898 is expected to influence state health and safety regulations by mandating that each state agency comply with this new requirement. Agencies will be responsible for submitting their developed breast-feeding policies to a designated department, thus ensuring that adequate resources and arrangements are made to support breast-feeding in the workplace. The law seeks to foster a culture of support for nursing mothers and can serve as a model for similar initiatives in the private sector.

Summary

House Bill 1898 aims to establish supportive worksite breast-feeding policies for state agencies in Texas. The bill emphasizes that each state agency, including institutions of higher education, must develop a policy that supports and facilitates worksite breast-feeding. This policy is intended to create a more accommodating environment for nursing mothers, promoting their ability to balance work responsibilities while continuing to breast-feed. It aligns with broader public health objectives to encourage breastfeeding for its maternal and infant health benefits.

Contention

While the bill presents beneficial intentions for enhancing maternal and infant health, discussions may arise concerning its implementation. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the practicality of enforcing such policies across various state agencies, particularly those with differing workplace environments and resources. Additionally, questions about the adequacy of facilities and whether these policies could impose additional burdens on state agencies might be points of contention within the legislative discussions.