Baby Changing on Board Act

Summary#

This bill, the "Baby Changing on Board Act," would add a new section to federal law requiring Amtrak to put baby changing tables in bathrooms on certain passenger rail cars. It defines a "baby changing table" as a raised surface made to hold a child up to 30 pounds for diaper changes. The law covers only "covered passenger rail trains," meaning trains that are both owned and operated by Amtrak and were solicited for purchase after the bill becomes law. The bill requires at least one baby changing table in each rail car, including in ADA-compliant restrooms, and it requires clear signage indicating which restrooms have a baby changing table.

What it means for you#

• If you travel on Amtrak trains that are owned by Amtrak and were purchased after this law is enacted, you should find a baby changing table in at least one restroom on each rail car. The restroom will have signs showing the table's presence.
• The requirement does not apply to trains Amtrak operates but does not own, and it applies only to trains solicited for purchase after the law is passed. Existing cars and non-owned cars are not covered by the text of this bill.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, funding sources, or implementation timelines is included in the bill text. The bill does not state who would pay for installation or when installations must be completed.

Proponents' View#

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Peter Welch and Marsha Blackburn. No publicly available information in the bill text explains supporters' stated reasons beyond the text of the requirement itself.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text describes any opponents' views or objections.