COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

for

H. B. 4335

(By Delegates L. Phillips, Campbell, Guthrie, Poore, Staggers, Moore, Perdue, M. Poling, Eldridge, Fleischauer and Marshall)

(Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary.)

[February 12, 2014]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by

adding thereto a new section, designated §16-1-19, relating to a child’s right to nurse; and establishing as the public policy of this state that nursing in a public place is socially acceptable.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §16-1-19, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 1. STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM.

§16-1-19. Child’s right to nurse; location where permitted;

            right protected.

    (a) The Legislature finds that breast feeding is an important, basic act of nurturing that is protected in the interests of maternal and child health.

    (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, a mother may breast feed a child in any location, open to the public.