Albany, NY – This week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (A.7813/S.3866) to provide lactation accommodations in New York State airports. The legislation sponsored by Assembly Member Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont) will require airports to provide a non-bathroom space for breastfeeding mothers behind the security screening area equipped with a chair, an electrical outlet, and in larger airports, a sink.

“By providing a designated, non-bathroom space in airports for people to breastfeed, pump or feed their infants, we are perpetuating healthy parenting practices. Proper nutrition is essential for a child’s development, especially during an infant’s first year. I thank Governor Hochul for supporting this legislation. This is a big step forward for mothers traveling and working at airports, and it will ensure that families receive the necessary accommodations even when traveling the world,” stated Assemblymember Solages.

State Senator Timothy M. Kennedy said, "This bill was created, as many bills are, after a conversation with a constituent of mine, who realized a gap in services for New York's mothers. As a working mom who traveled often for her job, Rachel Jackson found little to no accommodations in airports for breastfeeding moms. We drafted this legislation collaboratively to change that. This bill advanced with the support of many partners, including John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo and the many mothers across New York who believed in the impact it would have on families statewide. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law, ensuring that moms have options on the go - and that they don't have to choose between their careers and raising a healthy baby."