Where do you stand?

house Bill H.R. 5147

Are Baby Changing Stations Needed in Both the Men’s and Women’s Restrooms of Public Buildings?

Argument in favor

Public buildings should have baby changing stations in both the men’s and women’s restrooms so that it’s easier for mothers and fathers to change their child’s diapers.

Aroe83's Opinion

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09/20/2016

Those opposed should realize that the term public building in this case is very specific to those owned by the US Government

Like (74)

Gavinsawyer's Opinion

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09/19/2016

The state shouldn't sponsor societal biases, such as the bias that women are more equipped for childcare.

Like (30)

SouthernGal's Opinion

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09/19/2016

There are many single fathers out there with babies that need changing. Real men change diapers.

Like (12)

Argument opposed

Requiring that government buildings have these baby changing stations could lead to similar mandates being applied to privately owned buildings.

Loraki's Opinion

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09/19/2016

UPDATED April 20, 2017: Okay, H/T to Classicallibertarian who set me straight on this! I went back and read the details of the bill more carefully. Apparently this bill does, in fact, deal only with federal buildings: Sponsoring Rep. David Cicilline (D-CT) introduced this bill so that “families should never have to deal with inadequate facilities in a publicly-accessible federal building.” That's a whole lot different than saying ALL public buildings, and so it makes the bill a little easier to swallow. But I'm still going to vote NAY. I mean, how on Earth did mothers and fathers ever get along ALL THESE YEARS without baby changing stations in publicly accessible federal buildings?! We are SUCH a DEPRIVED society!! Not! Ask me to vote on this again if Congress ever starts making enough cuts to the federal budget to start getting the national debt down to an amount that won't give people a heart attack! My original opinion: While I agree that this is a good idea, I DON'T AGREE that this is a FEDERAL issue! This is a matter for the state and local governments! If there's enough demand for it, they can take the matter to their own lawmakers. We don't need the Nanny State interfering in such things. Y'all have much more important issues you need to be dealing with!

Like (117)

TuckerWantsLiberty's Opinion

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09/19/2016

Here's what they do. Here's their trick. They get you asking questions like this when the real underlying question is and always will be "Is it the federal government's job to decide?" The answer to that is a resounding and unflinching NO. Is it a good idea? Sure, but that is completely irrelevant. This is not the business of government. Whether it's a good idea has nothing to do with whether or not the government should decide it, and that is the real issue up for debate. This isn't some opinion poll. This is trying to decide if the federal government can send people with guns to lock you up if you don't comply.

Like (48)

Richard's Opinion

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09/19/2016

This is the height of ridiculousness. Congress should be ashamed for even considering passing legislation like this when terrorism, jobs, healthcare, etc. are much more important.

Like (10)

What is House Bill H.R. 5147?

This bill would require male and female bathrooms in public buildings to have baby changing facilities. It would task the General Services Administration (GSA) with determining that the baby-changing stations are safe, sanitary, and appropriate.

Restrooms in public buildings that aren’t available for public use or contain clear, visible signage showing where a male or female restroom is located in the same section or corridor of the building would be exempt from this requirement.

Baby changing stations would be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act so that they are more accessible.

This requirement would go into effect two years after this bill’s enactment.

Impact

Parents who need to change their child’s diaper; public buildings; and the GSA.

Cost of House Bill H.R. 5147

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

More Information

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. David Cicilline (D-CT) introduced this bill so that “families should never have to deal with inadequate facilities in a publicly-accessible federal building.”

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed this legislation on a voice vote, and it currently has the support of 28 cosponsors — including 27 Democrats and one Republican.

Media:

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Sellers Patton)

AKA

BABIES Act

Official Title

To amend title 40, United States Code, to require restrooms in public buildings to be equipped with baby changing facilities.

bill Progress

EnactedOctober 7th, 2016
The President signed this bill into law
The senate Passed September 29th, 2016
Passed by Voice Vote
The house Passed September 21st, 2016
Roll Call Vote 389 Yea / 34 Nay
IntroducedApril 29th, 2016

Bill Data

Issues

Committees

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Sponsor

Rep David Cicilline

(D - RI)

28 Cosponsors

Introduced 04/29/2016

Full text of Bill

Aroe83's Opinion In Favor

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09/20/2016

Those opposed should realize that the term public building in this case is very specific to those owned by the US Government

Like (74)

Loraki's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

Like (117)

TuckerWantsLiberty's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

Like (48)

Gavinsawyer's Opinion In Favor

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09/19/2016

The state shouldn't sponsor societal biases, such as the bias that women are more equipped for childcare.

Like (30)

Alex's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

How is this a federal issue?

Like (16)

Ike's Opinion In Favor

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09/19/2016

As a Dad, YES!!!

Like (15)

SouthernGal's Opinion In Favor

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09/19/2016

There are many single fathers out there with babies that need changing. Real men change diapers.

Like (12)

Richard's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

This is the height of ridiculousness. Congress should be ashamed for even considering passing legislation like this when terrorism, jobs, healthcare, etc. are much more important.

Like (10)

Thomas's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

Why is a baby's butt a federal government issue? Do they not have anything better to do in Washington besides worrying whether or not there is a changing station in the men's room? People have been changing stinky diapers for centuries without a government mandated changing station! I'm sure men will figure out how to get it done with out one now. This issue is between the building owners and the tenets or the state and local governments.

Like (9)

operaman's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

Having changing stations in all public restrooms would be convenient. But the word "public" worries me. The word "private" used to mean "not public", but we all know how government works with words. Remember when bathrooms were private? They are certainty public now. I'll stick with capitalism and consumer demand. I'm almost sure my tush never touched a changing table, but maybe with my children. Have to ask if they remember.

Like (9)

Rebecca's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

Although I agree it's a good idea, it shouldn't be a federal issue.

Like (8)

Bryan's Opinion In Favor

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09/20/2016

I agree that requiring equal facilities in restrooms in federal buildings makes sense.

Like (8)

Nathan's Opinion In Favor

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09/19/2016

Regardless of weather they are needed or not, this would help encourage fathers to be more active in childcare, which is good for society

Like (8)

Joanne's Opinion In Favor

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09/19/2016

It's not just about men helping out more with the child rearing in nuclear families. This bill will mostly benefit same sex families and single parent families where the parent(s) are male. We need our bathrooms to adapt to our new definition of family.

Like (7)

Dani's Opinion Against

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09/19/2016

This is not something I want the government to have their hands on. We need more freedoms for businesses and families, not more ridiculous regulations.

Like (6)