SPRINGFIELD – To support mothers trying to balance work life and home life, State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to allow for paid break time for pumping breast milk has been signed into law. This law ensures working mothers who nurse their infants do not have to be concerned about losing income in order to provide for their baby.

“Without workplace accommodations that consider the time required to breastfeed a newborn or infant, the burden of balancing work responsibilities and personal responsibilities becomes increasingly challenging,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We are not only encouraging a supportive work environment for these employees, we are also empowering Illinois mothers who must work to support their families.”

Fine’s new law clarifies that employees’ time for pumping breastmilk has to be paid and that employees would not be required to use paid leave during breaks.

Research shows about 80% of new mothers across the nation breastfeed and about 60% of mothers are working women.

“The personal accounts I’ve heard from Illinois mothers across my district, expressing their genuine concerns about being able to support their families while also managing their role as mothers, have touched me throughout the process of working on this law,” said Fine. “This support is critical and allows working nursing mothers to feel protected in their career.”

Senate Bill 212 was signed into law Friday and is effective Jan. 1, 2026.