Connecticut's new lactation-break rule requires reasonable time to express breast milk or breastfeed at work in addition to scheduled breaks. The legislature's official summary identifies section 32 of Public Act 26-12 and its October 1 start. Previously, the state provision allowed the activity during existing meal or break periods.
The change matters when a short meal break leaves no practical time. It requires reasonable additional time rather than an identical fixed number of minutes for everyone on every shift.
Epstein Becker Green says existing private-space, refrigeration and outlet requirements remain and notes the statutory undue-hardship framework. Employers should not treat the old permission to use a scheduled break as if nothing changed.
The cited state summary does not establish that every additional minute is paid under every circumstance. Compensation and overlapping federal protection need separate analysis. Document the request and response and ask how time is recorded. The October rule is a specific accommodation, not a universal paid-leave bank or a complete answer to every wage dispute.