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Senate Judiciary panel advances bill allowing breastfeeding mothers to seek one-year jury exemption
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced SB139, allowing women who have given birth within the prior 365 days and who are breastfeeding to request an exemption from jury duty. Supporters cited maternal and infant health; the committee approved the bill 10-0.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would let breastfeeding mothers request an exemption from jury duty for one year after childbirth.
Sponsor Senator Donato told the committee SB139 is narrowly drawn to allow a woman who has given birth within the last 365 days and is nursing to request an exemption, describing it as a limited accommodation "to ensure that the essential time of the formation of an infant's brain is nourished by the best possible source." He asked the committee for support.
Supporters and medical context Jane Hartsock, vice president of the Good Trouble Coalition, testified the unpredictability and long hours of trial practice make jury service difficult for nursing mothers and said SB139 aligns with medical guidance and existing practice in other states. "By allowing breastfeeding women who have recently given birth in the last year to request an exemption from jury duty, this bill promotes maternal and infant health," Hartsock said.
Emily Weiner, who said she was called for jury duty this week while breastfeeding a 9-month-old, described being chosen for a jury and receiving only one opportunity to pump during more than 10 hours of service; she said the lack of accommodation led to a clogged duct and risk of mastitis. "No nursing mom should have to risk infection, lose her milk supply, or jeopardize a child's nutrition in order to fulfill their civic obligation," Weiner said.
Committee questions and history Senator Brown asked how a mother would prove she is breastfeeding a year after birth and whether the bill would create enforcement or proof issues; Donato and supporters said the bill is intentionally narrow and that details about how courts and clerks handle claims would fall to practice and implementation. Senator Cook noted previous history of statutory exemptions and cautioned against broad lists of exemptions, calling the current proposal a medical accommodation rather than a professional exemption.
Vote and next steps A committee member moved to advance the bill, it was seconded and the roll call resulted in a committee vote of 10 to 0 to advance SB139.
The committee action sends SB139 out of the Judiciary Committee for further consideration in the Senate.
