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A03940 Memo:
Go to topNEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
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.