Today's Law As Amended


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AB-372 State employees: Infant at Work programs. (2019-2020)



As Amends the Law Today


SECTION 1.
 (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to improve infant bonding time among new parents, which has been found crucial to both brain development and the long-term health of the child.
(b) The Legislature finds and declares this act promotes the health of infants by supporting breastfeeding, encourages state employees to return to work sooner than they otherwise might, and is community and family friendly.

SEC. 2.

 Chapter 2.7 (commencing with Section 19991.20) is added to Part 2.6 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:

CHAPTER  2.7 Infant at Work Pilot Program
19991.20.
 (a) There is hereby established the Infant at Work Pilot Program.
(b) A state agency may participate in the pilot program in accordance with this chapter to allow an employee of the agency who is a new parent or caregiver to an infant to bring the infant to the workplace.
(c) The pilot program established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, the following elements:
(1) The pilot program shall be for infants from six weeks of age to six months of age, inclusive, or until the infant is crawling, whichever is earlier.
(2) An infant shall be cleared for participation in the pilot program by a physician and surgeon.
(3) The parent or caregiver shall have the sole responsibility for the safety of the infant at the workplace.
(d) A state agency participating in the pilot program shall establish a clear process for application and approval of an employee to participate in the program, including eligibility requirements and designation of the person or office with the responsibility to approve or disapprove an application.
(e) A state agency participating in the pilot program may adopt regulations that it determines necessary to comply with this chapter in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3.
(f) A state agency shall not participate in the pilot program if the work environment is inappropriate for infants, for safety, health, or other concerns regarding the infant, the adult, or both.
(g) The pilot program shall be operative from January 1, 2020, until January 1, 2022.