HB 1127
AN ACT relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
This Texas bill strengthens protections for mothers who breastfeed by legally guaranteeing their right to breastfeed or express breast milk in any location where they are legally authorized to be present. The bill prohibits anyone from interfering with or restricting a mother's breastfeeding, and allows mothers to take civil action and potentially receive up to $500 in damages if their rights are violated. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to develop policies supporting workplace breastfeeding and mandates that the Comptroller provide public information about mothers' breastfeeding rights.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition against interference with or restriction of the right to BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 165.001 and 165.002, Health and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows: Sec. 165.001. LEGISLATIVE FINDING. The legislature finds that breast-feeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurture that must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values. In compliance with the breast-feeding promotion program established under the federal Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. Section 1771 et seq.), the legislature recognizes breast-feeding as the best method of infant nutrition. The legislature intends for all persons to be informed of the rights of a breast-feeding mother and child and to be prohibited from Sec. 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED OR EXPRESS BREAST MILK AND PROHIBITED INTERFERENCE WITH OR RESTRICTION OF THAT RIGHT. (a) A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby or express breast milk in any location in which the mother's and child's presence on the premises is otherwise authorized. The authorization may not be revoked solely because the mother is breast-feeding the child. (b) A person may not interfere with or restrict the right of a mother to breast-feed in accordance with this section. SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 165, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 165.005 to read as follows: Sec. 165.005. STATE AGENCY "MOTHER-FRIENDLY" WORKSITE. To the extent reasonably practicable, each state agency shall develop a policy supporting the practice of worksite breast-feeding in accordance with Section 165.003. SECTION 3. Chapter 165, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter C to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER C. NOTIFICATION OF RIGHT AND CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION Sec. 165.101. NOTIFICATION BY COMPTROLLER. (a) The comptroller at least annually shall include in the comptroller's tax policy e-newsletter, or another electronic notification, information on a mother's right to breast-feed and the prohibition against interference with or restriction of that right as provided (b) The comptroller shall make available the notice required by Subsection (a) at each taxpayer seminar the office of (c) The comptroller may provide the notification required by this section with any other notice or document the comptroller Sec. 165.102. CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION. (a) A mother may bring a civil action against a person who allegedly violates (b) A mother who prevails in an action brought under this (2) damages in an amount not to exceed $500 for each (3) reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. (c) Notwithstanding any other law, a person liable for damages under Subsection (b)(2) is liable for only one award of $500 for each day a violation of Section 165.002 occurs, and for all violations of Section 165.002 the person commits on that day, regardless of the number of violations alleged or the number of mothers alleging a violation. A mother may recover only one award for damages for each day a violation of Section 165.002 occurs, regardless of the number of persons who violate that section. (d) The sovereign immunity of this state and governmental immunity of a political subdivision to suit and from liability is waived to the extent of liability created by this section. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition
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