Senate Bill 2070 Summary

• Establishes legislative acknowledgement of breast-feeding benefits including reduced childhood obesity, asthma, diabetes, and improved maternal health outcomes, with estimated family savings of $1,200-$1,500 during infant's first year.

• Authorizes hospitals with birthing facilities to adopt written infant feeding policies supporting breast-feeding, with staff training requirements and guidance on formula use for medical necessity or maternal preference.

• Requires the State Department of Health to prepare a "Breast-Feeding in Mississippi: Guidelines" statement of rights for maternal health care facilities to display publicly in high-traffic areas, with template available on the department's website.

• Directs the State Department of Health to create a video about breast-feeding benefits for presentation in offices providing benefits to women of child-bearing age, available to applicants and recipients of such benefits.

• Reenacts and amends the Small Business and Grocer Investment Act to prohibit funding for food retail projects that would directly compete against existing food retailers, and extends the program's repeal date from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2019.