Senate committee hears bill to require infant changing stations in public restrooms

Sen. Becca White presented S-16 to the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs committee on a proposal to require that at least one restroom in a public building or place of public accommodation contain an infant changing station and that the restroom be available for use by any individual regardless of gender.

The bill, as introduced, defines an infant changing station as a fold-down changing station commonly used for diaper changes and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025. "The point of this bill is to try to address that," White said, describing constituent reports that changing stations are commonly located only in women’s restrooms. White told the committee she intended the requirement to provide substantially equal access for fathers and other male caregivers and said she was open to narrowing the scope to state buildings if the committee preferred.

Supporters and bill writers walked the committee through the statutory definitions and practical questions that will shape implementation. Sophie Sedatny of the Office of Legislative Council explained that the bill relies on…