New York Now Requires Paid Breaks For Breastfeeding Employees

New York passed a new law on June 19, requiring paid breaks for breastfeeding employees.

Labor law requires public and private New York employers–regardless of the size of their business–to provide 30-minute breaks to employees needing to breastfeed and to find an adequate “lactation room” for their employees.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, I am fighting every day to give working parents the protections they need to keep their families strong and healthy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said in a news release, according to The Hill.

Employees can have more than one breastfeeding break, but they must provide a valid reason to their employer, the New York State Department of Labor reported. The number of breaks employees receive is unique to them and is evaluated by their employer. Employees must be able to receive these breastfeeding breaks for up to three years after childbirth.