This week, the Senate began to debate final budget bills on the Senate Floor. On Tuesday, the Senate heard and passed the Jobs Budget, sending it to the House for final passage. Included in the budget is a provision by Senator Julia Coleman (R-Chanhassen) that will implement new accommodations for pregnant and postpartum women in the workplace.

“Expansions for pregnant and nursing women in the workplace have been needed for many years and I am so pleased to see this be the time when they are put into law,” Coleman said. “No mother should have to lose income in order to pump at work, and making sure pregnant women are safe and comfortable in their workplace should be a top priority for employers. Expanding these provisions to more employers and businesses will strengthen employee morale and improve working conditions.”

The new accommodations require break times for nursing mothers to be paid for twelve months following the child’s birth, as current law only requires them to be provided, not paid. More employers will also be required to accommodate pregnant women in regard to frequent restroom breaks, seating, and limits on lifting over twenty pounds.