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Bill

Bill

SB 1211

RELATING TO A STATE BREAST MILK BANK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1211 establishes a state breast milk bank to provide safe, donated milk for premature infants and those with health issues, supporting families in need.

The committee on HHS deferred the measure.
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Bill Summary · SB 1211

Summary of SB 1211: Relating to a State Breast Milk Bank

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 1211 (SB 1211) aims to establish a state breast milk bank to support the nutritional needs of infants, particularly those who are premature or have medical conditions that prevent them from being breastfed. The bill seeks to create a structured program for the collection, processing, and distribution of donated breast milk, ensuring that it is safe and accessible to families in need.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a State Breast Milk Bank: The bill proposes the creation of a state-operated breast milk bank that will facilitate the collection and distribution of breast milk donations.
  • Funding and Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for appropriations to support the operational costs of the breast milk bank, which may involve setting up a special fund dedicated to this initiative.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The Department of Health (DOH) will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the breast milk bank, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Affected Parties

  • Infants and Families: The primary beneficiaries of the breast milk bank will be infants, particularly those who are premature or have specific health needs. Families who may struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their infants will have access to safe, donor breast milk.
  • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and pediatric care providers will be impacted as they may refer families to the breast milk bank for nutritional support.
  • Donors: Individuals willing to donate breast milk will play a crucial role in the success of the program, and the bill may include incentives or support for donors.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • First Reading: January 23, 2025
  • Committee Referral: The bill was referred to the Health and Human Services (HHS) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees on January 27, 2025.
  • Public Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing was scheduled for January 31, 2025, at 1:34 PM in Conference Room 225 and via videoconference.
  • Committee Action: On January 31, 2025, the committee on HHS deferred the measure, indicating that further discussion or amendments may be needed before moving forward.

Related Legislation

  • HB 233: This bill serves as a companion measure to SB 1211, potentially addressing similar issues or providing additional support for the establishment of a state breast milk bank.

Conclusion

SB 1211 represents a significant step towards enhancing infant nutrition through the establishment of a state breast milk bank. By providing a structured approach to breast milk donation and distribution, the bill aims to support vulnerable infants and their families while ensuring safety and compliance with health standards. The bill is currently in the legislative process, with further discussions anticipated following the committee's deferral.

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

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