South Carolina has enacted House Bill 3200 also known as the South Carolina Lactation Support Act (the "Act"), which provides protections to employees who express breast milk at work. The Act takes effect July 25, 2020.
Lactation Breaks:
Employers must provide workers with reasonable unpaid break time, or allow employees to use paid break or meal periods, to express milk at work, unless it would pose an undue hardship on the business. When possible, the break must run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee, and the employee must make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption to the employer's operations.
Location:
Employers must make a reasonable effort to provide a room or location (other than a toilet stall) that is close to the work area for an employee to privately express milk. However, employers are not required to create a permanent or dedicated space for this purpose.
Nondiscrimination Protections:
Employers may not discriminate against employees for choosing to express milk at work.
Compliance Recommendations:
South Carolina employers should review their policies, practices, and supervisor training to ensure compliance with the Act by July 25, 2020. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.