New York Assembly Bill A02100

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Grants public access to employer lactation rooms under certain circumstances.

Summary

Bill A02100 amends the New York labor law to allow public access to employer-designated lactation rooms under specific conditions. It stipulates that if an employer has a lactation room, it must be made available to the public for breastfeeding or expressing milk, provided there are no public lactation facilities within a half-mile radius, the room is not in use by an employee, and the request is made during business hours with at least one hour's notice before closing. The bill aims to support breastfeeding mothers by increasing access to private spaces for this purpose in public workplaces.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing labor laws in New York, specifically Section 206-c, to enhance the rights of breastfeeding individuals by ensuring they have access to lactation rooms in workplaces that are open to the public. This change could lead to increased compliance requirements for employers and may necessitate adjustments in workplace policies regarding the use of lactation facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A02100 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for breastfeeding rights and public health. However, there may be concerns from some business owners regarding the potential operational challenges and liability issues that could arise from allowing public access to these facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from business owners who fear that the requirement to provide public access to lactation rooms could impose undue hardship or disrupt normal business operations. Additionally, there may be discussions about the definition of 'undue hardship' and how it will be assessed, which could lead to differing interpretations among employers and employees.