S.71 - Baby Changing on Board Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.71, the "Baby Changing on Board Act," mandates that Amtrak install baby changing tables in at least one restroom per rail car on covered passenger rail trains. The bill defines key terms like "ADA-compliant restroom," "baby changing table," and "covered passenger rail train" to ensure clarity and scope. It amends Title 49 of the United States Code to include this requirement.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to improve the convenience and accessibility of Amtrak services for parents traveling with young children. This will be achieved by ensuring that baby changing facilities are available on passenger rail cars. Ultimately, this will likely increase ridership among families.
Potential Benefits
- Increased convenience for parents traveling with infants and toddlers.
- Improved accessibility of Amtrak services for families.
- Enhanced hygiene and sanitation during travel.
- Potential increase in Amtrak ridership due to improved family-friendliness.
- Compliance with ADA standards by including changing tables in ADA-compliant restrooms.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with the installation and maintenance of baby changing tables.
- Possible space constraints within existing restrooms.
- Limited impact on individuals who do not travel with infants or toddlers.
- The bill only applies to new trains, so the benefit will be delayed until new trains are put into service.
- The definition of 'covered passenger rail train' excludes trains Amtrak operates but does not own, limiting the scope.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes regulating passenger rail services like Amtrak. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).