39-2-215. Public employer policy on support of women and breastfeeding -- unlawful discrimination. - Montana Statutes

     39-2-215. Public employer policy on support of women and breastfeeding -- unlawful discrimination. (1) All state and county governments, municipalities, and school districts and the university system must have a written policy supporting women who want to continue breastfeeding after returning from maternity leave. The policy must state that employers shall support and encourage the practice of breastfeeding, accommodate the breastfeeding-related needs of employees, and ensure that employees are provided with adequate facilities for breastfeeding or the expression of milk for their children. At a minimum, the policy must identify the means by which an employer will make available a space suitable for breastfeeding and breast pumping for a lactating employee, including the provision of basic necessities of privacy, lighting, and electricity for the pump apparatus. The space does not need to be fully enclosed or permanent, but must be readily available during the term that the employee needs the space.
     (2) It is an unlawful discriminatory practice for any public employer:
     (a) to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment an employee who expresses milk in the workplace; or
     (b) to discriminate against an employee who expresses milk in the workplace in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 290, L. 2007.