HARRISBURG, PA — Male caregivers could soon see expanded access to baby diaper-changing stations under legislation passed Tuesday by the Pennsylvania House, aimed at addressing gaps in public restroom facilities.
What This Means for You
- New and renovated public restrooms may be required to include changing stations
- Fathers and male caregivers could gain more equal access to child care facilities
- Bill now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration
The bill, H.B. 1558, introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin, would require diaper-changing stations to be installed in certain public buildings when restrooms are newly constructed or fully renovated.
A diaper-changing station is a fold-down surface designed for safely changing infants, commonly found in women’s restrooms but often missing from men’s facilities.
Expanding Access for Modern Families
Conklin said the legislation reflects changes in family dynamics, where men increasingly take on primary or shared caregiving responsibilities.
“The modern American family looks much different than it used to, with many men playing a central or sole role in child care, including diaper changing,” Conklin said. “Despite this, most men’s public restrooms in the state still lack diaper-changing stations.”
He added that the bill is intended to remove logistical barriers faced by fathers and other male caregivers.
“My bill would remedy this by requiring baby diaper-changing stations in new or fully renovated public restrooms, with a few exceptions,” Conklin said.
Exceptions and Limitations
The legislation includes several exemptions, including industrial buildings, nightclubs and bars, fitness centers and spas, lodging rooms, and single-patient restrooms in health care facilities.
It also allows exceptions where installation is not feasible, would conflict with accessibility standards, or could impact a building’s historic status.
Context and Next Steps
Conklin noted that federal law already requires diaper-changing stations in public restrooms within federal buildings, and at least nine states have enacted similar requirements covering both men’s and women’s restrooms.
The bill now advances to the Pennsylvania Senate for further consideration.
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