Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to address shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to address shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms

Would require diaper changing stations in new and totally renovated public restrooms

Rep. Scott Conklin    April 14, 2026 | 2:56 PM

HARRISBURG, April 14 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would expand access to baby diaper-changing stations in men’s restrooms by requiring these stations to be installed in certain public buildings when a restroom is newly constructed or fully renovated.

Conklin said he introduced H.B. 1558 to address a growing logistical problem facing fathers and other male child caregivers.

“The modern American family looks much different than it used to, with many men playing a central or sole role in child care, including diaper changing,” Conklin said. “Despite this, most men’s public restrooms in the state still lack diaper-changing stations, creating unnecessary logistical problems for male caregivers.

“My bill would remedy this by requiring baby diaper-changing stations in new or fully renovated public restrooms, with a few exceptions. The commonwealth needs to keep pace with the realities of modern parenting, and that includes making sure that men have public access to this essential child care resource.”

Conklin said that the federal government has passed legislation requiring baby diaper-changing stations in all public restrooms located in federal buildings and that at least nine states have passed laws requiring changing stations in both men’s and women’s restrooms.

The bill would exempt industrial buildings, nightclubs and bars, fitness centers and spas, public lodging rooms and single-patient restrooms in health care facilities. It also contains exceptions for situations in which installation would not be feasible, would interfere with accessible design standards, or would threaten a building’s historic significance.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.