(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) joins Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) to introduce Assembly Bill 1127, requiring baby diaper changing stations be installed in men’s and women’s restrooms in restaurants, department stores and other frequently visited public buildings and businesses in California.
AB 1127 will obligate buildings owned by a state or local agency, and public venues (e.g. restaurants, movie theaters and grocery stores) to provide at least one diaper-changing table for both women and men. To be mindful of our state’s small businesses and their needs, this policy will be applicable for new construction and restroom renovations only when exceeding $10,000. Local building inspectors or a local permitting entity will enforce the requirement as part of their existing inspection process.
“I am proud to join Majority Leader Ian Calderon to advocate for baby changing stations in men’s restrooms. As a father this strikes me as a logical and essential measure that aligns with our state’s inclusive values,” professed Assemblymember Garcia. “This measure recognizes that the family unit is changing. We must ensure our public health polices evolve to support the varying array of needs for all Californians and their families.”
According to a 2013 study on modern parenting conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, parenting responsibilities have become increasingly equally distributed between partners. We have more single father households and compared to 50 years ago, fathers are spending triple the amount of time with their children.
“Without male access to changing tables, the burden falls to the mother, or, in cases where no changing table exists at all, parents are compelled to get creative – usually resorting to diaper changes on tables at restaurants or even on bathroom floors. AB 1127 will ensure that both moms and dads have a safe, sanitary place to change their baby,” stated Majority Leader Calderon.
AB 1127 coincides with President Obama’s “Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation (BABIES) Act,” a federal action signed last year to ensure that public federal buildings are equipped with baby changing facilities in both male and female restrooms.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
