Expanded State Law Will Require Paid Lactation Breaks
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, Washington employers must pay employees for lactation breaks, including qualifying travel time, at their regular compensation rate – adding a new paid-time obligation for payroll to track and finance to budget for.
The requirement will apply to employers with one or more employees, down from the current 15-employee threshold.
Lactation breaks must be provided in addition to required meal and rest periods, and employers may not require workers to use paid leave for them. The law also adds scheduling flexibility for postpartum medical visits.
Enforcement shifts from the Attorney General to the Department of Labor and Industries, which can issue civil penalties.
More info: SB 5217
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