SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to require the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide lactation rooms for employees.

“Providing a dedicated space for lactating mothers creates a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This privacy is crucial for the physical and emotional comfort of nursing mothers, helping them maintain their breastfeeding routines without stress or embarrassment.”

House Bill 4819 would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide lactation rooms for employees to use. The rooms must be in each department facility that employs nursing mothers and each individual lactation room must meet certain requirements, such as containing electrical outlets for plugging in breast pumps and having a minimum of one refrigerator for storage of the breast milk.

“It is imperative that we continue to reinforce the necessary support lactating mothers need with clean and accessible facilities in the workplace,” said Johnson. “This measure ensures that Illinois is supporting those who breastfeed in all spaces.”

House Bill 4819 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.