On Friday, March 6, Representative Stephanie Pitcher, D-Millcreek, presented 3rd Sub. H.B. 264 – Infant at Work Pilot Program in the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee. This pilot program would allow eligible employees of the Department of Health to bring their infant to the workplace for the first six months of their life or until they become mobile. In order to be eligible, employees must have been employed by the Department for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. The infant must be at least six weeks of age and no more than six months of age. The parent must be the biological or adoptive parent of an infant or foster caregivers.
The results of the one-year pilot program will be reported back to the Business and Labor Interim Committee. Depending on the program’s success, this policy may be expanded to other state agencies in the future.
The Utah Public Employees’ Association supports H.B. 264 and spoke in favor of the bill. Christy Berk testified, stating, “[Our members] see this as a great option and added benefit for new parents and those who want to have children in the future. This benefit, if expanded, could help address the extreme recruitment and retention challenges felt throughout the state.”
3rd Sub. H.B. 264 passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation and will move to the Senate floor for a second reading. If you have questions about the bill, please reach out to UPEA.