May 7, 2012

LEGISLATURE OKS BILL MAKING JURY DUTY
EASIER FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS

Legislation (SB 194) sponsored by State Representative Mae Flexer making jury duty easier on breastfeeding women was approved by the legislature.

“Breastfeeding has tremendous benefits for children. Studies have shown that it reduces the risk of illnesses and improves overall child development. But sometimes modern life and all its responsibilities can make it difficult for women to continue breastfeeding. This bill simply requires our judicial system to accommodate moms so they may continue breastfeeding while fulfilling their civic responsibility,” said Rep. Flexer.

The bill requires the state's courts to provide information on its website for breastfeeding women regarding jury service postponement and contact information for these women to request reasonable accommodations. Additionally, the jury administrator would be required to train staff on the policy for breastfeeding jurors, including accommodations for them.

Flexer noted that Connecticut already requires employers to provide a reasonable amount of time each day to mothers to express their milk and to provide accommodations, except restrooms, where an employee can express milk privately. It is also illegal to restrict or limit the right of a mother to breastfeed her child including in public places.

The legislation now goes to Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature to become law.

State Representative Mae Flexer is serving her second term representing the 44th Assembly District of Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling. She is Chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Internship Committee.