NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3940
SPONSOR: Solages TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to
diaper changing accommodations in certain buildings
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To provide equal access to diaper changing tables in restrooms in public
buildings regardless of the gender for which the restroom is designed.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 79-o to the civil rights law to require
that any public building shall provide diaper changing accommodations
regardless of the gender for which the restroom is designed, and estab-
lishes that this provision applies to restrooms constructed or substan-
tially renovated on or after the effective date of the law. It also
requires compliance with laws regarding access for persons with disabil-
ities and with existing fire, health, and safety standards.
Section 2 establishes that the act shall take effect immediately.
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation would correct an inequity in New York State law that
does not require equal access to diaper changing tables for all genders
in restrooms in public buildings. There is a misguided perception, held
by many, that changing tables are only a necessary accommodation in
women's restrooms, which makes it very difficult in many cases for
fathers to find a suitable place to change their child's diaper. By
requiring public buildings to provide equal access to changing tables,
this legislation would make it easier for men to find a place to change
their child's diaper and remedy an often overlooked inequity in our
state's laws.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
