What's happening
This bill requires public buildings with diaper changing stations to provide them in restrooms for all genders during new construction or major renovations.
Why it matters
Promotes Equal Parenting Roles. By requiring diaper changing stations in restrooms for all genders, the bill recognizes and supports the caregiving responsibilities of fathers, same-sex parents, and non-binary caregivers—making public spaces more inclusive for modern families.
Reduces Stigma and Inconvenience. Parents and caregivers will no longer have to search for a “women’s” restroom or improvise diaper changes in unsafe or unsanitary areas, improving both dignity and hygiene for children and adults.
Applies to Major Renovations and New Construction. The law affects not just new buildings but also existing public buildings undergoing significant renovations (over $10,000), ensuring that accessibility improvements are phased in over time.
Considers Accessibility and Safety. The requirements are flexible, only applying where compliant with disability access and safety codes, which helps prevent unintended legal or logistical conflicts while still advancing family-friendly amenities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Diaper Stations in All Restrooms
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Changing Tables Everywhere
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Michaelle C. Solages
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
104
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 4, 2017
Introduced by Sen. HOYLMAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the civil rights law, in relation to diaper changing accommodations in certain buildings
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The civil rights law is amended by adding a new section 79-o to read as follows:
§ 79-o. Diaper changing accommodations. 1. Any public building that installs a baby diaper changing accommodation in a restroom shall ensure that the accommodation is equally available or provided regardless of the gender for which the restroom is designed.
2. The provisions of subdivision one of this section shall apply:
(a) to restrooms constructed on or after the effective date of this section;
(b) to restrooms existing on or before the effective date of this section which undergo substantial renovation; and
(c) to the extent that the provisions of subdivision one of this section may be implemented in compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding access for persons with disabilities and with existing fire, health, and safety standards.
3. As used in this section, "substantial renovation" means a construction or renovation project requiring a building permit with an estimated cost of ten thousand dollars or more.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04668-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to diaper changing accommodations in certain buildings
Purpose or general idea of bill
To provide equal access to diaper changing tables in restrooms in public buildings regardless of the gender for which the restroom is designed.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 adds a new section 79-o to the civil rights law to require that any public building shall provide diaper changing accommodations regardless of the gender for which the restroom is designed, and establishes that this provision applies to restrooms constructed or substantially renovated on or after the effective date of the law. It also requires compliance with laws regarding access for persons with disabilities and with existing fire, health, and safety standards.
Section 2 establishes that the act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
This legislation would correct an inequity in New York State law that does not require equal access to diaper changing tables for all genders in restrooms in public buildings. There is a misguided perception, held by many, that changing tables are only a necessary accommodation in women's restrooms, which makes it very difficult in many cases for fathers to find a suitable place to change their child's diaper.
By requiring public buildings to provide equal access to changing tables, this legislation would make it easier for men to find a place to change their child's diaper and remedy an often overlooked inequity in our state's laws.
Prior legislative history
S.5473 of 2015-2016 (Hoylman): Died in Codes A.8367 of 2015-2016 (Solages): Died in Governmental Operations
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.