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S 8652

Relates to access to and signage for lactation rooms in public buildings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Requires public lactation rooms in covered state buildings with signage and a public directory, ensuring private, accessible spaces for breastfeeding or milk expression.

PRINT NUMBER 8652A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8652

Overview

S. 8652 (2025-2026 Session, New York) amends the Public Buildings Law to enhance access to lactation rooms in covered public buildings and to require clear signage and a public directory of lactation rooms. The bill aims to ensure that individuals may breastfeed or express milk in a designated, private, and accessible space within public facilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • Ensure public access to lactation rooms in state-owned public buildings under the supervision of the Commissioner of General Services.
  • Require standardized features for lactation rooms and mandate conspicuous signage.
  • Create and maintain a public directory of lactation rooms with access requirements and any special conditions.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definition and standards for lactation rooms

    • A lactation room is a hygienic, private space (not a bathroom) that:
      • Is shielded from view and free from intrusion
      • Is well lit
      • Contains a chair and a working surface
      • Has nearby access to clean running water
      • If available in the building, provides an electrical outlet
      • Is intended for the primary purpose of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk

  2. Access in covered public buildings

    • Every covered public building must have a lactation room available for public use to breastfeed or express breast milk.

  3. Conditions permitting an exception

    • Exemptions may apply if the building cannot be repurposed into a lactation room at a reasonable cost, or if new construction would be required and is not feasible due to cost.

  4. Signage requirement

    • Buildings with a public lactation room must post a sign notifying the public of its availability.
    • The sign must be placed either directly outside the entrance or in the reception area and be clearly visible.

  5. Public directory and ongoing updates

    • The Office of General Services (OGS) must compile a directory of public buildings with available lactation rooms.
    • The directory must be posted on the OGS website within six months after the effective date of the 2025 amendment and updated every six months thereafter.
    • The directory should note any extra access requirements for specific buildings (as noted in the directory).

  6. Access limitations and safety

    • Nothing in the bill grants entry to a public building to individuals not otherwise authorized to enter.
    • If access to a lactation room occurs in a location within a public building that would not ordinarily be accessible, the operating agency must establish clear rules to allow access, unless it would unduly imperil public safety.

Who is affected

  • State-owned public buildings under the Commissioner of General Services that are open to the public.
  • Public users who require a private lactation space.
  • The Office of General Services (for maintaining the directory and signage standards).
  • Building operating agencies is responsible for implementing access rules and ensuring safety.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Directory timeline: OGS must post a directory within six months after the 2025 amendment’s effective date and update it every six months.
  • The bill was referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee and includes a provision for amendments and reintroduction as the legislative process continues.

Potential impact

  • Increases the availability and visibility of lactation rooms in public buildings, supporting public access to breastfeeding and milk expression.
  • Establishes standardized room requirements and signage to reduce confusion and improve privacy and comfort.
  • Creates a centralized, publicly accessible directory to inform users about lactation room locations and any access prerequisites.
  • May necessitate capital or operational adjustments for some buildings to retrofit or designate suitable spaces, subject to cost-based exemptions.

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

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