Committee hears bill to require diaper-changing stations in public buildings

The Senate Local Government Committee on an unspecified date heard House Bill 1562, sponsored in the House by Representative Victoria Hunt, a bill that would require baby diaper changing stations in public buildings where a public restroom is required by the state building code or local regulations.

Committee staff summarized the bill’s basics: it would require at least one baby diaper changing station in a restroom accessible to women and one in a restroom accessible to men, or in one gender-neutral restroom; if multiple restrooms exist, any restroom without a changing station must display clear signage pointing to a restroom that does. John Kim, committee staff, said the bill follows a federal requirement that applies to federally owned public buildings and noted the House passed the measure 67-28.

Why it matters: supporters said the requirement would expand safe, sanitary options for caregivers (including fathers and grandparents) and reduce health risks from delayed changes; business groups said the bill balances caregiver access with installation costs and…