Washington

Washington is a breastfeeding-positive state thanks to state laws that provide workplace lactation protections. In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act that provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Washington law provides additional levels of support.

We’ve awarded Washington three drops on our scale.

Washington Breastfeeding Laws: In Public

Mothers in Washington have the right to breastfeed in public. Read the law: Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.30(g)

WA Breastfeeding Laws: At Work

All breastfeeding employees in Washington state are protected by the federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for one year. But Washington state law also requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide a private lactation space for pumping employees that is not a bathroom. These protections extend for two years. Read the law: SHB 1930

An amendment to state law effective January 1, 2027 requires employers with one or more employees to provide lactation spaces. The amended law also mandates that employees be paid their regular rate of pay for break time used to express breast milk during work hours and for travel time to access lactation locations. Read the law: E2SSB 5217

WA Breastfeeding Information + Resources

Breastfeeding mothers in Washington are exempt from indecent exposure laws and from jury duty.

The Department of Health offers an “Infant at Work” program. DOH employees may bring their babies (who are between the ages of six weeks and six months) to work with them if they participate in the program. Read the policy: Infant at Work

The Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington’s mission is to “promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.” Visit here.

Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.

Breastfeeding Law Rating Key

One drop: There is no state-level workplace lactation legislation beyond the PUMP Act.

Two drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in one of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption; 2) Workplace protections beyond one year; 3) Requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) Protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).

Three drops: State law exceeds the PUMP Act in at least two of the following ways: 1) Lower threshold for employer exemption; 2) workplace protections beyond one year; 3) requirements for lactation spaces (e.g. electrical outlets); 4) protections for specific populations other than employees (e.g. students).

Disclaimer: Please consult a professional for legal advice. Our information on breastfeeding laws is not a substitute for legal counsel.