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HR 248

COMMENDATIONS: Commends Emerson Thom on being one of ten students selected to compete in the 25th Braille Challenge in Los Angeles

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Davis

Requires Amtrak to install at least one baby changing station per car in ADA-compliant restrooms on all new passenger cars and post signs, aiding traveling families.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 248

Summary — H.R. 248 (119th Congress): "Baby Changing on Board Act"

Purpose

H.R. 248 requires Amtrak to provide baby changing stations in onboard restrooms on newly‑acquired passenger rail cars and to post signage informing passengers of their availability. The bill’s intent is to improve accessibility and convenience for parents and caregivers traveling by intercity rail.

Key provisions

  • Requires Amtrak to install a baby changing table in at least one restroom per passenger rail car on all passenger trains purchased after the bill’s enactment.
  • Applies to restrooms that must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements (i.e., includes ADA‑compliant restrooms).
  • Requires appropriate signage on trains indicating availability of baby changing stations.
  • The requirement does not apply to trains that Amtrak operates but does not own.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Amtrak (a non‑federal entity) — will need to ensure new rolling stock it owns includes baby changing stations and comply with signage requirements.
  • Secondary: Parents, caregivers and families traveling by Amtrak (improved onboard facilities); passengers with accessibility needs (ADA‑compliant installations required).
  • Equipment manufacturers and suppliers involved in designing and outfitting Amtrak’s new passenger cars.

Background and rationale

  • In FY2024 Amtrak served ~32.8 million riders to 500 destinations across 46 states. The Committee cited the need for safe, accessible baby changing facilities onboard trains and at stations for traveling families.

Cost and legal impact

  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO): No effect on the federal budget because Amtrak is nonfederal.
  • CBO notes the bill would impose a private‑sector mandate (signage and installation obligations) but estimates costs would not exceed the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) threshold (approximately $203 million in 2025, adjusted annually).
  • Committee report indicates Amtrak's new trains are already being designed to include baby changing stations, suggesting limited incremental cost.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced in the House: January 9, 2025 (sponsor: Rep. Lauren Underwood, with multiple cosponsors).
  • Reported favorably by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: H. Rept. 119‑146 (June 6, 2025).
  • Passed the House under suspension of the rules by voice vote: June 9, 2025.
  • Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: June 10, 2025.

Note: Multiple unrelated resolutions and state bills have also been filed with the number “H.R. 248” elsewhere; this summary covers the federal H.R. 248 titled the “Baby Changing on Board Act.”

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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