Bill > S1355

Introduced Session

This bill would require baby diaper-changing stations in any newly constructed men or women's public restroom maintained in places of public accommodation within the State. It would also require any place of public accommodation to install changing stations during renovations to existing restrooms, costing $5,000 or more. The bill would further require the owner or operator of a place of public accommodation to install a changing station in the men's restrooms if one is already included in the women's restrooms. The bill applies to places of public accommodation with a maximum occupancy level greater than 25 people and places that permit children over three years-old to access. Failure to comply with the provisions of this bill constitutes a petty disorderly persons offense with a maximum fine of $500. Under this bill, the Department of Health and local boards of health have the authority to commence proceedings in municipal court to enforce the provisions of this bill. This bill will ensure that parents of small children have greater access to changing tables in public restrooms. As the typical structure of families within this State evolves, men are becoming more involved in the care of young children. According to a recent government study about 90 percent of fathers who live with their children report that they bathe, diaper, or dress their children everyday or several days a week. The study further noted that fathers are more involved in their children's lives than in previous generations. No current State law requires places of public accommodation to equip public restrooms with changing stations, and the ones that do so voluntarily tend to only offer the accommodation in women's restrooms. This bill will correct that imbalance and provide greater access to changing stations for both men and women.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Anthony Bucco (R)*,  Teresa Ruiz (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 02/11/2016)