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
By amending the Health and Safety Code to include provisions for worksite breast-feeding, the bill aims to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, specifically within state agencies. This fosters a culture that emphasizes the importance of breast-feeding and may influence both public and private sector employers to adopt similar policies that accommodate nursing mothers, potentially leading to enhanced maternal and child health outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 146 focuses on promoting breast-feeding and establishes explicit protections for mothers against interference while breastfeeding in public or authorized areas. The bill indicates that breast-feeding is essential for the health of both mothers and infants, aligning with broader maternal and child health initiatives. It not only reinforces the right of mothers to breast-feed in any location where they are allowed but also ensures that this right cannot be revoked simply due to the act of breast-feeding.
Contention
The inclusion of a civil action clause allows mothers to sue for violations of their breastfeeding rights, which could empower mothers but also raise concerns among businesses and public entities regarding potential liabilities. The specified damages of up to $500 for each day a violation occurs could lead to significant financial implications for those found in breach of the law. This dual nature of empowerment for mothers and concern for businesses signifies a noteworthy point of contention in the discussions surrounding the bill.