One of the final laws signed by President Barack Obama is the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Act.
The law directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to improve accommodations for parents traveling with breast milk, infant food and feeding equipment. Previously, some parents were forced to discard breast milk if it exceeded three ounces during security screening.
“Too many parents have experienced TSA’s improper treatment when carrying infant food and breast milk through airport security, even though these items are permitted under TSA guidance,” said U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) of Washington. “With the president signing my bill into law, we will make it easier for families to travel with the supplies and food they need. The BABES Act ensures TSA agents are trained to provide families traveling with breast milk reasonable, consistent treatment, and that the agency maintains this priority for new hires and in retraining efforts.”
The legislation was introduced by Representative Beutler and Senator Kelly Ayotte.
Under the new law, TSA officers are required to receive training on how to properly screen breast milk, infant formula and feeding equipment. This training is to be implemented in the early months following the law’s enactment in 2017, helping ensure consistent, respectful screening practices for parents and caregivers at airport security checkpoints.