HB1526

House Bill 1526 amends Arkansas Code to require public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to include curriculum regarding breastfeeding in their health and safety courses. The bill outlines various health benefits for both infants and lactating mothers associated with breastfeeding, citing reductions in SIDS, infant mortality, childhood and adult obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. By mandating this instruction, the bill aims to raise awareness among students about the health implications of breastfeeding. The legislation does not mandate specific length or depth of instruction, but requires that information about breastfeeding benefits as nutrition for infants and for maternal health be covered. This act applies to any health and safety courses currently offered by these public education institutions.