NEW YORK — New York State has new legislation that requires all New York employers to ensure that lactation spaces are convenient and private.
The legislation (S.4844-B/A.1236-A), signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last week, also requires seating, access to running water and electricity, and a work space. It will also require employers to develop and implement a written policy on the rights of female employees when breastfeeding in the workplace.
The new legislation will ensure that all female employees throughout the state receive the same basic accommodations that public employees currently receive.
“Every nursing mother deserves access to a safe, hygienic and convenient space to express milk in the workplace,” said Governor Hochul. “By requiring employers to provide quality accommodations, this legislation will help employees feel comfortable and respected when they breastfeed.”
The measure requires all New York employers to provide private and convenient pumping spaces in the workplace that include seating, access to running water and electricity, and a work space. Employers are currently required to allow reasonable break times and make reasonable efforts to provide space for female employees to express breast milk, but this standard falls below the current requirements for female government employees. This legislation will ensure that all workplaces across the state have clean and safe pump spaces by requiring employers to expand lactation facilities.
The new law will also require employers to adopt a policy developed by the New York State Department of Labor regarding the rights of female employees when breastfeeding in the workplace. Employers must provide the written policy to each employee at the time of hire and annually thereafter, as well as to employees who return to work after the birth of a child.