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AB 266

Makes revisions relating to breastfeeding. (BDR 40-595)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Natha Anderson and 19 co-sponsors

Requires public awareness and nondiscrimination protections to support breastfeeding, including DHHS information, education, and access, with civil remedies for violations.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 121.
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Bill Summary · AB 266

AB 266 — Revisions Relating to Breastfeeding (BDR 40-595) — Summary

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 121).
Introduced: January 17, 2025. Enrolled and delivered to Governor May 27, 2025; approved May 30, 2025.

Purpose / Intent

AB 266 strengthens statewide support for lactation by (1) requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to publish and maintain accessible information about breastfeeding and Medicaid coverage, (2) creating a public education program about lactation and how to connect to support, and (3) prohibiting discrimination by places of public accommodation against persons who are breastfeeding.

Key Provisions

  • DHHS duties

    • Post and update at least annually on its website:
    • A fact sheet on Medicaid coverage for breastfeeding-related services (citing NRS 422.27174, 422.27179 and any additional coverage under NRS 422.27178).
    • A community resources list for lactation support (names, addresses, phone numbers).
    • Provide materials in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and other languages DHHS deems appropriate.
    • Develop and carry out a public education program about the health benefits of lactation and ways to connect pregnant people and parents to lactation support.

  • Health care provider role

    • Physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, midwives, hospitals, and freestanding birthing centers may provide the DHHS-posted information to pregnant patients and, with consent or direction of the patient, to accompanying persons.

  • Public accommodations / nondiscrimination

    • Prohibits a place of public accommodation from denying full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities, etc., because a person is breastfeeding a child.
    • Prohibits places of public accommodation from publishing statements, notices, or signs that conflict with that protection.
    • The statutory definition of “place of public accommodation” (NRS 651.050) is made applicable; the bill also clarifies that enforcing laws or regulations that legitimately restrict minors from certain premises is not an unlawful discriminatory practice.

  • Enforcement and remedies

    • Victims may pursue civil actions (statutory civil remedies are authorized).
    • Complaints may be filed with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC); the Commission may investigate, hold hearings, attempt informal resolution, and after formal hearing order cease-and-desist and corrective actions.
    • Note: Earlier versions contained a misdemeanor penalty for violations; that criminal penalty was removed in later amendments. The final enrolled bill emphasizes civil and administrative remedies.

  • Local authority

    • Counties and incorporated cities may adopt ordinances protecting breastfeeding rights consistent with the bill’s limitations.

Who is Affected

  • State agencies: DHHS (information posting, translation, education program).
  • Health care providers and birthing centers (distribution of materials).
  • Pregnant people, lactating parents, and their accompanying support persons.
  • Businesses and entities defined as places of public accommodation throughout Nevada.
  • Nevada Equal Rights Commission (complaint, enforcement authority).
  • Counties/cities (may enact complementary local ordinances).

Fiscal / Procedural Notes

  • Fiscal notes indicate an effect on the State; earlier versions noted potential local government impacts tied to penalties, but the criminal penalty was removed.
  • Legislative action: passed both chambers (Assembly and Senate), enrolled May 27, 2025, signed by Governor May 30, 2025 (Chapter 121).

If you want, I can: (1) extract the exact statutory section language added to NRS chapter/sections, (2) prepare a one‑page fact sheet for providers summarizing what they must distribute, or (3) provide model complaint language for filing with NERC.

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

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