Bill > HB3

This bill establishes a comprehensive breastfeeding and lactation program within the Delaware Department of Corrections (DOC) to support pregnant, post-partum, and lactating women in custody. The program includes detailed policies for expressing, storing, and transporting breast milk, with retrieval allowed only by an approved person selected by the inmate. Key provisions mandate the provision of breast pumps, sterilization equipment, and a comfortable pumping space, while ensuring participants comply with drug testing policies. The DOC must also provide prenatal vitamins, nutrition information, and meal plans tailored to pregnant and lactating women, as well as support for lactation cessation. The bill requires the department to publish an annual report detailing program participation, including the number of women requesting support, participating, and expressing milk, along with reasons for program denials and drug screening outcomes. The program aims to support incarcerated women in maintaining breastfeeding connections with their infants and toddlers while ensuring their nutritional and medical needs are met. The act will take effect one year after its enactment, giving the DOC time to develop and implement the required policies and procedures.