SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5809

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions, February 26, 2001

Title:  An act relating to breastfeeding.

Brief Description:  Supporting the practice of breastfeeding.

Sponsors:  Senators Costa, Kohl‑Welles, Fairley, Thibaudeau, Fraser, Patterson, Gardner and T. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/26/01 [DP‑WM, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Fairley, Franklin, Patterson, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Honeyford.

Staff:  Elizabeth Mitchell (786‑7430)

Background:  Thirteen states have enacted laws providing that breastfeeding is not indecent exposure.

Six states have enacted laws regarding expressing milk in the workplace.  Texas law permits a business to use "mother-friendly" designations in promotional materials if it develops a qualified breastfeeding policy.

Summary of Bill:  Breastfeeding is not indecent exposure.

An employer may use a "mother-friendly" designation in its promotional materials if it has a workplace breastfeeding policy approved by the Department of Health.  The policy must address: (1) flexible work scheduling; (2) private locations other than a restroom for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk; (3) a water source for washing hands and equipment; and (4) a refrigerator for storing breast milk.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will encourage employers to support the practice of breastfeeding, which is important for children's health. 

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Carolyn Logue, National Federation of Independent Business; Amber Balch, Association of Washington Business.