Bill Summary
The "Baby Changing on Board Act" is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at improving facilities for families traveling on Amtrak trains. This bill mandates the installation of baby changing tables in the restrooms of passenger rail cars operated by Amtrak.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Definition of Terms**: The bill defines what constitutes an ADA-compliant restroom, a baby changing table, and specifies which Amtrak trains are covered under this requirement.
2. **Installation Requirement**: It requires that all covered passenger rail trains have at least one baby changing table in each rail car's restroom, including those restrooms that are ADA-compliant.
3. **Signage**: The restrooms with baby changing tables must have clear signage indicating their presence, ensuring that parents and caregivers can easily locate them.
Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the travel experience for families, making it more convenient to care for infants during train journeys.
Possible Impacts
The "Baby Changing on Board Act" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Improved Accessibility for Parents**: The installation of baby changing tables in Amtrak's passenger rail cars provides essential facilities for parents traveling with infants. This enhancement allows parents to change diapers in a more comfortable and sanitary environment, reducing stress during travel and making train journeys more family-friendly.
2. **Increased Inclusivity**: By mandating that at least one restroom in each rail car includes a baby changing table, including in ADA-compliant restrooms, the legislation ensures that parents with disabilities or those who rely on accessible facilities can also benefit. This fosters a more inclusive environment for all passengers, promoting equal access to amenities.
3. **Enhanced Travel Experience for Families**: The presence of baby changing tables and clear signage indicating their location can significantly improve the travel experience for families. It may encourage more families to choose train travel over other modes of transportation, knowing that their needs are considered and accommodated, potentially leading to increased ridership for Amtrak.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 71 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 71
To require Amtrak to install baby changing tables in bathrooms on
passenger rail cars.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 13, 2025
Mr. Welch (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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
rail car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom.
``(2) Signage.--Such restroom 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.''.
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