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Bill

HB 290

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juandalynn Givan

Alabama bill requires employers to provide nursing mothers private space and break time to express breast milk, strengthening workplace lactation accommodations.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Health)
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Bill Summary · HB 290

Legislative bill overview

HB 290 requires Alabama employers to provide nursing employees with a private location and reasonable break time to express breast milk during the workday. The bill establishes workplace accommodations for lactating employees, addressing a gap in Alabama's current labor protections that fall short of federal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Why is this important

Nursing mothers face significant workplace barriers when returning to work, and inadequate break time or private spaces can force many to leave employment or discontinue breastfeeding. This bill directly impacts workforce retention, employee health outcomes, and child health—breastfeeding has documented benefits for infant development. The measure also brings Alabama's protections more in line with federal minimum standards and those already adopted by other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers, particularly small businesses, may argue that providing private spaces and adjusting break schedules creates operational burdens and expenses
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language around "reasonable" break time and "private location" may lack specificity, potentially creating disagreement over what constitutes adequate compliance
  • Scope limitations: Questions about whether accommodations apply to all employers regardless of size, whether part-time workers are included, and how long the accommodation obligation extends postpartum

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

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