OLYMPIA — A bill to expand workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers was signed into law Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5217, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), expands pregnancy and postpartum workplace accommodations to all employers, regardless of size. It guarantees paid lactation breaks — including travel time if no suitable space is available — and prohibits employers from requiring workers to use meal or rest breaks for pumping. The bill also expands eligibility for jury duty excusal or deferral to include anyone breastfeeding or expressing milk for a child under 24 months.
Currently, state law only mandates pregnancy-related accommodations for businesses with 15 or more employees and does not require compensation for lactation breaks.
To strengthen enforcement, the new law transfers oversight from the Attorney General’s Office to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), which will adopt rules to implement the law and work in good faith with businesses to resolve complaints before issuing penalties. It also creates a private right of action and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance.
“This law is about dignity, fairness, and creating workplaces that meet people where they are,” Nobles said. “No one should have to choose between keeping their job and caring for their health or their baby. With these updates, Washington is setting a new standard for supporting workers and families.”
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
