This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Two bills to make life easier for moms who breast-feed babies are on the way to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature.

The Senate on Wednesday passed HB105 to make breast-feeding part of anti-discrimination laws — including not allowing firing or rejecting a job candidate because she is nursing — and HB242 to require accommodation of public employees who breast-feed.

Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, questioned in debate if HB242 may ask too much of employers, including its requirement to provide breast-feeding women with a private room and a refrigerator. "That's quite a lot," he said.

But Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, who has a baby, said the room "is for pumping milk. So you need a private room because you're going to have to remove your clothes. You're going to plug the pump. I don't know if you have ever done that. Not comfy."

She added, "You mentally have to put yourself in a position to think how much you love your baby so the milk can come while everyone is outside doing their business. It's rough. But it's for a good purpose."

Escamilla added, "Please vote for the babies."

HB242 passed 18-6, and HB105 passed 17-4.

— Lee Davidson