Legislation setting up standards for human milk banks could soon be law in New Jersey.

The state Senate's budget committee on Thursday approved legislation requiring human milk banks seeking to open in New Jersey to first register with the state Health Department. The legislation also requires the banks follow Human Milk Bank Association of North America standards.

There are now 25 such institutions in the United States and three in Canada. None are in New Jersey.

The bill defines a milk bank as a service that selects breast milk donors, manages collections, processing and storage as well as the distribution of donations. Lawmakers say they want to ensure the safety of donated breast milk and want to help mothers with delayed lactation or who cannot nurse.

Similar legislation has been proposed in the Assembly.