New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08667

Introduced
1/7/26  

Caption

Relates to employee access to lactation rooms in the workplace; requires that employers post written policies regarding the rights of nursing employees.

Impact

If enacted, S08667 will revise the current labor law to enforce stricter requirements for employers regarding lactation accommodations. Employers will be responsible for providing spaces that meet specific health and safety criteria. This includes not only a dedicated room but also the necessary facilities such as a chair, a working surface, and refrigeration for storing expressed milk. By setting these standards, the bill aims to better support employees’ breastfeeding needs and help foster a workplace environment that prioritizes family health.

Summary

Bill S08667 pertains to employee access to lactation rooms in the workplace, amending existing labor laws to enhance support for nursing employees. The bill mandates that employers must designate a private area specifically for the purpose of expressing breast milk upon request. The designated space must meet certain criteria, such as being hygienic, well-lit, and shielded from public view, thereby ensuring that nursing employees can express milk comfortably and without disturbances. This legislative move is designed to promote the rights of nursing mothers and facilitate their participation in the workforce without compromising their health or privacy.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding Bill S08667, particularly concerning how the requirements will be received by employers, especially small businesses that may find these mandates burdensome. While proponents argue that the bill protects the rights of nursing employees and their right to express milk in the workplace, critics express concerns about the practical implications for compliance. Questions regarding the feasibility of implementing such privacy standards and provisions in all workplace settings will likely be debated as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NY A03998

Same As Relates to employee access to lactation rooms in the workplace; requires that employers post written policies regarding the rights of nursing employees.

Previously Filed As

NY A03998

Relates to employee access to lactation rooms in the workplace; requires that employers post written policies regarding the rights of nursing employees.

NY A10053

Allows nursing employees to request a sink designated for washing breast pump equipment in the room designated for nursing.

NY HB49

Employment; employers required to provide location and break time for employees to express breast milk

NY HB290

Employment; employers required to provide location and break time for employees to express breast milk

NY S1698

Notice Requirements for Certain Employers to their Employees

NY HB21

Employment; requiring employers to provide reasonable break time and location for employees to express breast milk.

NY A02456

Prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees to enter into covenants not to compete; requires employers to notify potential employees of any requirement to enter into a covenant not to compete.

NY S2502

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

NY S0959

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

NY H8505

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.