New Law Mandates Lactation Accommodations
SB 142 was signed into law by Governor Newsom this year requiring employers to provide appropriate lactation accommodations to employees. The bill was originally championed by Senator Scott Wiener and Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez. Previously, California already required employers to provide breaks for mothers, but many complained of the horrible break space employers provided. Mothers said they were refined to bathroom stalls or closets. Employers who do not meet the specific “adequate space” will receive a civil penalty of up to $100 per day. The lactation space requires the following features: Must be safe, clean and free of hazardous materials; Contain a surface to place a breast pump and personal items; Contain a place to sit, Have access to electricity. No opposition to the law was recorded.
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