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SB 1271

SB 1271 - Current law requires school districts to adopt a written policy regarding the provision of certain accommodations for lactating employees, teachers, and students. This act requires charter schools, in addition to school districts, to adopt such a policy and provide such accommodations. The act specifies that each school building shall contain suitable accommodation in the form of a "private and secure" room designated for the exclusive use of women and "lactating students" that includes certain features established in current law, such as running water, a refrigerator for breast milk storage, and electrical outlets. Additionally, a public school or charter school shall ensure that a lactating student is given a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the need to express breast milk, and a student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of the use, during the school day, of the accommodations provided for under the act. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop a model policy that satisfies the provisions of the act before January 1, 2027. School districts and charter schools shall adopt a written policy pursuant to the provisions of the act before July 1, 2027. This act is similar to SB 343 (2025). OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Washington

SB 1271 requires Missouri public and charter schools to provide lactation accommodations for nursing students and employees, establishing facility and schedule protections.

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Bill Summary · SB 1271

Legislative bill overview

SB 1271 establishes and updates requirements for lactation accommodations in Missouri public and charter schools. The bill creates provisions to support nursing and breast-feeding employees or students by mandating specific facilities and protections during work and school hours.

Why is this important

Lactation accommodation laws address workplace equity and health by enabling parents—predominantly mothers—to continue nursing while maintaining employment or education. These accommodations can increase retention rates, improve student and employee health outcomes, and reduce gender-based barriers to workforce and educational participation.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must designate private spaces and potentially adjust schedules, requiring facility upgrades and administrative coordination that may strain budgets
  • Space and logistics: Smaller or rural schools may struggle to provide dedicated lactation spaces without repurposing existing facilities
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether accommodations apply equally to students versus employees, and how charter schools with different governance structures will comply
  • Religious or conservative opposition: Some may object to school-mandated breast-feeding facilities as government overreach into parental/family matters

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

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