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Does Georgia law require lunch and bathroom breaks by employers? How about nursing mothers?

Athens Banner-Herald

Now that it's heating up in Georgia, many employees look forward to their breaks throughout the workday, especially working outside.

But the truth is, some states aren't legally required to give lunch breaks to employees, even though many do it anyway.

So, is Georgia required by law to give lunch breaks?

Is Georgia legally required to give lunch breaks to employees?

This is a break room for those who work at the Indianapolis Public Schools Family Resource Center, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 by Arlington Middle School. The new IPS center helps families deal with issues that keep them from coming to school regularly. It is a one-stop hub providing vital support services for families and students.

No, Georgia is not required by law. However, this can really affect people who work long hours in the heat, without a proper break.

Many Georgia employers do still provide breaks and meal periods.

According to workforce.com, if employers allow a 20 minute break or less, it must be paid. A 30 minute break or longer, is considered a meal period and should be unpaid.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth."

What states legally require a lunch break?

According to Paycor, as of September 2024, here are some states with laws for 30 minute meal breaks:

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia

What states do not legally require a meal break?

Arizona
Arkansas
Georgia
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
New Jersey
New Mexico
Ohio
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Wyoming

Are bathroom breaks allowed for employees in Georgia?

While there are no laws for meal breaks, employers must allow workers to use the restrooms as needed, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Can no breaks be bad for your health?

For a hot summer state, like Georgia, working outdoors with no breaks is concerning. According to the CDC, it could lead to heat illnesses and "workers should be allowed to take regular rest breaks."

Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.