FRANKFORT, Ky. — Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville, plans to file legislation in the 2027 Regular Session that would create a state licensing framework for lactation consultants, according to a Kentucky House Majority Caucus release dated October 15, 2026. The release said Callaway presented the proposal to the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. The framework would cover only lactation consultants, not licensed health care providers practicing within their own scope.

The release said Callaway filed a similar measure, House Bill 487, in the 2026 session. The Kentucky General Assembly's bill record shows the bill was introduced January 27, 2026, and referred to the House Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee on February 3. Co-sponsor Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser is also listed. The most recent action on that record is the committee referral.

Under the proposal, a Kentucky Advisory Council of Lactation Consultants would advise the Kentucky Board of Nursing on qualifications, training standards and professional competency for licensed lactation consultants. The council would also advise on certification updates from the International Board of LCactation Consultant Examiners, known as IBLCE. Based on the council's recommendations, the board would write administrative regulations covering training program standards, licensing requirements, license issuance and fees, and disciplinary actions. The release said the proposal would also authorize criminal background checks through fingerprinting by the Kentucky State Police and the FBI.

The 2026 bill text offers more detail on the earlier version. It directed the board to set fees for licenses, renewals and related items at no more than $100 each. It also required the council to be attached to the Board of Nursing and appointed by the board.

Callaway said in the release that the first days with a newborn can be difficult for mothers adjusting to feeding and new routines. She said the goal is giving mothers access to trained consultants who can offer guidance, education and support. In the same statement, she said a licensing framework would set clear professional standards and make it easier for mothers to identify qualified professionals.

Lactation support has drawn legislative attention in Kentucky before. In 2024, a bipartisan package known as the "momnibus" bill cleared the House Health Services Committee 15-0 with two "pass" votes. As described in the legislative news archive, that measure would have required health plans to cover services and supplies related to breastfeeding.