Airports Would Be Required To Have Lactation Rooms Under California Assembly Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The state Assembly has passed a bill requiring large airports to make accommodations for traveling mothers to pump breast milk.

AB1787 advanced Wednesday on a 64-5 vote with no debate. All those who voted no were Republicans.

Democratic Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal of Long Beach says her bill helps working mothers who want to breastfeed by providing comfortable and private rooms for pumping.

The bill applies to the 10 largest airports in California. San Francisco International Airport is the only one currently offering such accommodations.

Under the bill, existing terminals must offer rooms with an electrical outlet for the pump and a chair, while new terminals must include rooms with sinks.

If signed into law, AB1787 would take effect in 2016.