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Bill

H 691

An act relating to breastfeeding education and support

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ashley Bartley

The bill requires standardized breastfeeding education and access to lactation support for pregnant individuals and new parents across healthcare settings.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 691

Bill overview

H 691 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont) is an act relating to breastfeeding education and support. The bill has a co-sponsor and was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care on January 15, 2026. The summary below outlines the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and timelines.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to improve breastfeeding education and support for individuals, families, and relevant health care providers.
  • The bill seeks to enhance access to information and resources related to breastfeeding, with the goal of promoting infant health, maternal health, and informed choices for caregivers.

Key provisions and changes (provisions may be subject to adjustment during the legislative process)

  • Breastfeeding education requirements:
    • The bill likely establishes or expands requirements for education on breastfeeding in relevant settings (e.g., health care facilities, clinics, or prenatal/postpartum education programs).
    • May specify topics to be covered, such as benefits of breastfeeding, proper latch and positioning, pumping, storage of expressed milk, and troubleshooting common challenges.
  • Provider and facility obligations:
    • Health care providers, hospitals, clinics, or other childbirth-related facilities may be required to offer standardized breastfeeding education and support services.
    • Could include ensuring access to lactation consultants or certified lactation professionals as part of postnatal care.
  • Public health education and information dissemination:
    • The act may authorize or mandate the dissemination of statewide breastfeeding best practices, guidelines, and resources through public health channels.
  • Support services and access:
    • Provisions might address accessibility for diverse populations, including multilingual resources, culturally competent support, and accommodations for working or low-income families.
    • Potentially includes guidance on workplace lactation accommodations or how employers can support breastfeeding employees.
  • Data collection and reporting:
    • The bill could authorize collection of data related to breastfeeding education uptake, initiation, duration, and barriers, with reporting requirements to state agencies.
  • Funding and implementation:
    • It may authorize funding or allocate appropriations to support education programs, lactation support services, or training for health care professionals.

Note: The exact language of provisions may be refined through committee work, amendments, and floor action.

Who is affected

  • Pregnant individuals, new mothers, and all caregivers involved in infant feeding decisions.
  • Health care providers, including obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, family practice clinicians, nurses, and certified lactation consultants.
  • Hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, and other health care facilities that provide maternity or infant care.
  • Employers and workplaces, particularly with regard to lactation support and accommodations (if provisions cover workplace policies).
  • Public health agencies and departments responsible for maternal and child health programs.
  • Communities served by multilingual or culturally diverse lactation education resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care (as of 2026-01-15).
  • Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and a vote in the committee before moving to the full chamber for consideration.
  • If enacted, the bill would typically specify a timeline for implementation (e.g., phased rollout, effective dates for education requirements, and any grace periods for facilities to comply).

Potential impacts

  • Positive public health outcomes through increased breastfeeding initiation and duration due to improved education and support.
  • Enhanced consistency of information provided to expectant and new parents.
  • Greater access to lactation support services within health care settings.
  • Possible needs for funding to sustain training, resources, and program administration.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on sections you care about (e.g., financial impact, implementation timeline, or stakeholder obligations) once the bill’s final text is available.

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

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