Bill Summary
The "Baby Changing on Board Act" is legislation that mandates the installation of baby changing tables in the restrooms of Amtrak passenger trains. Specifically, it amends Chapter 243 of Title 49 of the United States Code to require that every newly purchased Amtrak train has at least one restroom in each car equipped with a baby changing table, including in restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act defines key terms, such as "baby changing table" and "ADA-compliant restroom," and requires clear signage to indicate the presence of these tables. The goal of this legislation is to enhance convenience and accessibility for families traveling by train. The act was passed by the House of Representatives on June 9, 2025.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Baby Changing on Board Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Convenience for Parents**: The installation of baby changing tables on Amtrak trains will provide parents traveling with infants or toddlers a more convenient and hygienic option for changing diapers. This change will make train travel more accessible for families, encouraging them to utilize rail services instead of other modes of transportation, knowing they have the necessary facilities to care for their children during the journey.
2. **Enhanced Accessibility for Families with Disabilities**: The requirement that baby changing tables be located in ADA-compliant restrooms ensures that parents with disabilities have equal access to these facilities. This provision recognizes the diverse needs of all passengers and promotes inclusivity, allowing families with members who have disabilities to travel more comfortably and with dignity.
3. **Public Awareness and Support for Family-Friendly Policies**: The signage indicating the presence of baby changing tables in train restrooms will raise awareness about the needs of families traveling with young children. This visibility can foster a more family-friendly environment on public transportation and may encourage other transportation services to consider similar policies, leading to broader societal support for family-oriented amenities in public spaces.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 248 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 248
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 10, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To require Amtrak to install baby changing tables in bathrooms on
passenger rail cars.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Baby Changing on Board Act''.
SEC. 2. INSTALLATION OF BABY CHANGING TABLES ON AMTRAK TRAINS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 24313 the following:
``Sec. 24314. Baby changing tables
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) ADA-compliant restroom.--The term `ADA-compliant
restroom' means a restroom that complies with the requirements
set forth in section 242(a) of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12162(a)).
``(2) Baby changing table.--The term `baby changing table'
means an elevated, freestanding structure generally designed to
support and retain a child with a body weight of up to 30
pounds in a horizontal position for the purpose of allowing an
individual to change the child's diaper, including pull-out or
drop-down changing surfaces.
``(3) Covered passenger rail train.--The term `covered
passenger rail train'--
``(A) means a passenger rail train that--
``(i) is owned and operated by the National
Railroad Passenger Corporation (commonly known
as `Amtrak'); and
``(ii) was solicited for purchase after the
date of the enactment of the Baby Changing on
Board Act for use by Amtrak; and
``(B) does not include any passenger rail train
that Amtrak operates, but does not own.
``(b) Baby Changing Tables.--
``(1) In general.--All covered passenger rail trains shall
have a baby changing table in at least one restroom in each
car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom.
``(2) Signage.--Each restroom described in paragraph (1)
shall clearly indicate with signage the presence of a baby
changing table and such baby changing tables shall be clearly
identified with signage.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 243 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 24313 the following:
``24314. Baby changing tables.''.
Passed the House of Representatives June 9, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.