An Act providing for diaper changing stations in public buildings and accommodations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brendan Crighton and 2 co-sponsors

Requires at least one private or semi-private diaper changing station in all public buildings and public accommodations, with signage and directory inclusion.

House concurred

Purpose and intent

This bill would require the installation and maintenance of diaper changing stations in public buildings and in places of public accommodation, resort, or amusement in Massachusetts. The goal is to ensure that caregivers of any sex, gender, or ability have access to private or semi-private diaper changing facilities when using public spaces or services.

Key provisions

Mandatory installation

Public buildings: must install and maintain at least one private or semi-private diaper changing station that is accessible to any caretaker, regardless of sex, gender, or disability.
Public accommodations, resorts, or amusements with a public bathroom: must install and maintain at least one such station.

Signage and central directory

Clear signage must identify the location of every diaper changing station at or near the entrance of the building or facility and near each station.
If a central directory exists for other facilities (offices, restrooms, etc.), it must include the location of diaper changing stations.

Scope and applicability

Applies to all public buildings.
Applies to public accommodations constructed on or after the act’s effective date.
Applies to existing public accommodations that undergo substantial renovation or remodeling after the act’s effective date.
Excludes public accommodations that are generally restricted to individuals aged 13 years or older.

Compliance and standards

Must be implemented in compliance with existing laws regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities, and with current fire, health, and safety standards.

Who is affected

Public buildings (government facilities, schools, libraries, etc.) must install stations.

Private/public facilities that offer public bathrooms (shopping centers, theaters, hotels, museums, etc.) must install stations.

Caretakers of infants/young children, including those who may not identify with a specific gender, and individuals with disabilities, would have ensured access to changing facilities.

Timing and procedural notes

Introduced: March 10, 2025

Filed: January 16, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1876)

Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on March 10, 2025; the House subsequently concurred with the bill.

Status: House concurred (as of the latest action provided); final enactment would require passage by both chambers and signature of the Governor.

Context: A similar measure was previously filed in the 2023–2024 session (Senate No. 125).

Practical impact

Public facilities would incur costs to install at least one private/semi-private diaper changing station and to maintain it, plus signage and potential updates to any central facility directories.

The bill emphasizes accessibility and inclusive design, aligning with disability access norms and standard safety requirements.

Implementation would occur progressively, with newly constructed facilities required to comply and existing facilities undergoing substantial renovations to trigger compliance.

If you’d like, I can convert this into a one-page plain-language briefing or compare it to related prior bills for additional context.

Bill