Baby Changing on Board Act

Bill Number: H.R. 248
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-06-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T02:58:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Baby Changing on Board Act" (H.R. 248) aims to improve family-friendly facilities on Amtrak trains by mandating the installation of baby changing tables in passenger rail car restrooms. This addresses a gap in amenities for parents traveling with infants, promoting accessibility and comfort on public transportation.

Key Provisions

Definitions:
ADA-compliant restroom: A bathroom that meets accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ensuring usability for people with disabilities.
Baby changing table: A foldable or pull-out surface designed to safely hold a child weighing up to 30 pounds horizontally for diaper changes.
Covered passenger rail train: Applies to Amtrak-owned and operated trains purchased after the law's enactment; excludes trains Amtrak operates but does not own.
Installation Requirement: Every covered Amtrak train must include at least one baby changing table in a restroom on each car, with at least one such table in an ADA-compliant restroom.
Signage Mandate: Restrooms with these tables must have clear signs indicating their presence, making them easy to locate.
Legislative Mechanics: Adds a new section (24314) to Chapter 243 of Title 49, United States Code, which governs passenger rail services, and updates the chapter's table of contents.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation amends federal rail law (Title 49, U.S. Code) by inserting a dedicated provision for baby changing tables, which was not previously required.
It builds on existing ADA requirements for accessible restrooms but extends them specifically to include infant care facilities, without altering broader disability access rules.
The focus on post-enactment train purchases limits immediate retrofitting of older cars, introducing a phased approach to compliance.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Amtrak (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) will face new procurement and installation obligations for future trains, potentially increasing operational costs but aligning with federal mandates for public services.
On Citizens: Parents and caregivers traveling with infants will benefit from standardized, accessible diaper-changing options, reducing inconvenience on long journeys and making rail travel more inclusive for families.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the law applies solely to domestic U.S. passenger rail operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Amtrak: Primary entity responsible for compliance, including design, installation, and maintenance.
Passengers, Especially Families: Direct beneficiaries, particularly those with young children, improving equity in travel experiences.
Restroom and Rail Equipment Manufacturers: May see increased demand for compliant baby changing tables and signage.
Federal Oversight Bodies: Such as the Department of Transportation, which enforces rail regulations, will monitor implementation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces ADA principles by integrating infant care into accessible facilities, potentially setting a precedent for family accommodations in other public transit systems without conflicting with existing privacy or safety regulations.
Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection under the law by enhancing public accommodations for families, with no apparent free speech, due process, or commerce clause issues.
Political: Represents a bipartisan, low-controversy effort to modernize infrastructure for everyday needs, likely appealing to family-oriented policies without significant fiscal or partisan debate; its referral to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation suggests routine legislative progression.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]

Recent Actions

2025-06-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2025-06-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-06-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2551-2552)
2025-06-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2551-2552)
2025-06-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 248.
2025-06-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2551-2552)
2025-06-09: Mr. Ezell moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-06-06: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 115.
2025-06-06: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-146.
2025-06-06: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-146.
2025-04-02: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2025-04-02: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-04-02: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged
2025-01-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
2025-01-09: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Bill Versions

Baby Changing on Board Act — issued 2025-06-09 — PDF (6 pages)
Baby Changing on Board Act — issued 2025-01-09 — PDF (3 pages)
Baby Changing on Board Act — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (4 pages)
Baby Changing on Board Act — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (6 pages)