[Report No. 119–118]
January 13, 2025
Mr. Welch (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
April 22, 2026
Reported by Mr. Cruz, with an amendment
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
To require Amtrak to install baby changing tables in bathrooms on passenger rail cars.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Baby Changing on Board Act
.
Sec. 2. Installation of baby changing tables on Amtrak trains
(a) In general
Chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 24313 the following:
24314. Baby changing tables
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) ADA-compliant restroom
The term ADA-compliant restroom means a restroom that complies with the requirements set forth in section 242(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12162(a)).
(2) Baby changing table
The term baby changing table means an elevated, freestanding structure generally designed to support and retain a child with a body weight of up to 30 pounds in a horizontal position for the purpose of allowing an individual to change the child’s diaper, including pull-out or drop-down changing surfaces.
(3) Covered passenger rail train
The term covered passenger rail train—
(A)
means a passenger rail train that—
(i)
is owned and operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (commonly known as
Amtrak); and(ii)
was solicited for purchase after the date of the enactment of the Baby Changing on Board Act for use by Amtrak; and
(B)
does not include any passenger rail train that Amtrak operates, but does not own.
(b) Baby changing tables
(1) In general
All covered passenger rail trains shall have a baby changing table in at least one restroom in each rail car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom.
(2) Signage
Such restroom shall clearly indicate with signage the presence of a baby changing table and such baby changing tables shall be clearly identified with signage.
(b) Clerical amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24313 the following:
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Baby Changing on Board Act
.
Sec. 2. Installation of baby changing tables on Amtrak trains
(a) In general
Chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 24313 the following:
24314. Baby changing tables
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) ADA-compliant public restroom
The term ADA-compliant public restroom means a restroom that is not in a private accommodation and complies with the requirements set forth in section 242(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12162(a)).
(2) Baby changing table
The term baby changing table means an elevated structure generally designed to support and retain a child with a body weight of up to 30 pounds in a horizontal position for the purpose of allowing an individual to change the child’s diaper, including pull-out or drop-down changing surfaces.
(3) Covered passenger rail car
The term covered passenger rail car—
(A)
means a passenger rail car that—
(i)
is owned and operated by—
(I)
the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (commonly known as
Amtrak); or(II)
another intercity passenger rail service provider that—
(aa)
is the recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance; or
(bb)
is a primary beneficiary of Federal financial assistance from a project for which another entity has received Federal financial assistance;
(ii)
is newly built and was solicited for purchase after the date of the enactment of the Baby Changing on Board Act; and
(iii)
has at least one restroom that is not in a private accommodation; and
(B)
does not include—
(i)
a private rail car; or
(ii)
a historical or antiquated rail passenger car (as defined in section 304(c)(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12184(c)(2))).
(4) Private rail car
The term private rail car means rail rolling equipment that is used only for excursion, recreational, or private transportation purposes.
(b) Baby changing tables
(1) In general
All covered passenger rail cars shall have a baby changing table in at least one restroom, and when an ADA-compliant public restroom is present in the covered passenger car, such restroom shall have a baby changing table.
(2) Signage
Each restroom described in paragraph (1) shall clearly indicate with signage the presence of a baby changing table and such baby changing tables shall be clearly identified with signage.
(b) Clerical amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24313 the following: