Nevada bill would expand online lactation resources, bar breastfeeding discrimination in public spaces

Assemblywoman Cecilia Gonzalez introduced Assembly Bill 266 on behalf of the 80th Nevada Legislature, asking the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services to require the Department of Health and Human Services to publish online resources and to strengthen protections for people who breastfeed in public.

Gonzalez, who represents Assembly District 16, told the committee her own experience as a first‑time mother informed the bill. "Breastfeeding is one of the most tender, powerful forms of connection I've ever known," she said, recounting early difficulties with latching, pain and worries about supply. The bill would require DHHS to provide a fact sheet on Medicaid coverage for counseling, breastfeeding supplies, prenatal screenings and lactation consultants, a community list of lactation support services and a public education program on lactation.

The bill also prohibits discrimination against a breastfeeding individual by places of public accommodation, with an amendment that removed a misdemeanor penalty and exempted age‑restricted areas such as gaming floor sections and bars. "We had concerns about age restricted areas, so... casinos," Gonzalez said, explaining the exemption adopted in the assembly. The amendment that removed criminal penalties appears in the first reprint of the bill, the sponsor said.

Public health and health‑care organizations provided almost unanimous support in testimony. Representatives from Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican, the Nevada Public Health Association, Nevada Women's Lobby, the Nevada Advanced Practice Nurse Association (NAPNA), Nevada Primary Care Association and Children's Advocacy Alliance urged passage, citing low exclusive breastfeeding rates and disparities by race, ethnicity and income. Jolina Walker, an international board‑certified lactation consultant, said, "When parents receive unbiased evidence-based lactation information, they are empowered to make feeding choices that align with optimal health care choices." Christina Hernandez of the Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition noted the measure would help parents access hospital education and protect breastfeeding in public.

Supporters told the committee the bill would reach groups with limited access to in‑person care, including incarcerated people who lack lactation education and those whose insurance does not cover lactation consultants. The Vegas Chamber testified in a neutral position after the misdemeanor penalty was removed.

No speakers registered opposition. The sponsor and supporters emphasized the bill's two main elements—online resources and nondiscrimination—while noting the assembly amendment narrowed enforcement and clarified exemptions. The committee did not take a vote on AB 266 during the hearing.

AB 266 as presented would not create criminal penalties; enforcement is through the amended civil framework, and the bill asks DHHS to compile and publish specific items online, including service names, addresses and phone numbers. Gonzalez told the committee she is prepared to answer technical questions as the bill advances.

If enacted, the bill would place responsibility for the online materials with the Department of Health and Human Services and would expand the state’s public education efforts on lactation.