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SB 345

AN ACT CONCERNING BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE, PRE AND POST-SHIFT HOURS AND ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY WORKPLACE HEAT SAFETY STANDARDS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aimee Berger-Girvalo and 3 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill expands breastfeeding workplace rights to pre/post-shift hours and creates task force to develop heat safety workplace standards.

FILE NO. 351
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Bill Summary · SB 345

Legislative bill overview

SB 345 addresses two separate workplace issues in Connecticut: it expands breastfeeding accommodations for working mothers to include pre- and post-shift hours (beyond current during-shift protections), and establishes a task force to research and develop workplace heat safety standards. The bill combines maternal workplace rights with occupational health and safety considerations.

Why is this important

Breastfeeding accommodations directly affect working parents' ability to maintain lactation while employed, with potential health implications for both mother and child. Heat safety standards address a growing occupational health concern, particularly for outdoor and industrial workers, as extreme temperatures pose serious risks including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Together, these provisions affect workplace conditions for vulnerable worker populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and compliance burden: Employers may argue that extending breastfeeding accommodations to pre- and post-shift hours creates scheduling complications and additional costs, especially for facilities without dedicated nursing spaces
  • Heat standard scope and stringency: Unclear whether the task force recommendations will be voluntary or mandatory, and how stringent standards might affect certain industries' operational costs and productivity
  • Definition and enforcement: The bill's language on what constitutes adequate accommodation during non-traditional shift hours (e.g., overnight shifts, split shifts) may be ambiguous and difficult to enforce consistently

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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