Committee approves bill to require nursing-parent rooms in public‑service state buildings

The House State Government Committee voted to report House Bill 707, a bill that would require Commonwealth-owned buildings where the public comes for services to provide at least one nursing‑parent room with a minimum of 50 net usable square feet.

Representative Mays, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure aims to make state buildings more accessible to breastfeeding and pumping parents. “These rooms are not bathrooms … they are dedicated spaces so that new moms can nurse, pump, breastfeed,” Mays said, noting the Department of General Services already maintains 19 lactation rooms in Capitol buildings but that most are restricted to employees.

An amendment (A00308), adopted at DGS’s request, reduced the minimum required usable area from 80 to 50 square feet and narrowed the definition of Commonwealth-owned buildings to the Capitol, Governor’s residence, Judicial Center, State Museum and any building titled to the Commonwealth where the public comes to obtain services. Representative Roy supported the amendment, saying 80 square feet seemed large; committee members noted the 50‑square‑foot size aligned with available prebuilt “pod” options. Representative Walsh asked about a unit cost; Mays cited an example per‑unit price around $9,600 for a premade pod but said costs would vary and bulk pricing might lower per‑unit charges. Committee members emphasized that a fiscal note will be developed in appropriations.

The committee voted to report the bill. Supporters framed the proposal as enabling new parents to access government services without leaving infants unattended or relying on staff offices for privacy; some members expressed fiscal caution but said details will be worked out during appropriations and DGS consultation.

The bill will advance for further consideration, with DGS expected to participate in cost and siting analysis.