Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Consumer Protection & Business Committee |
HB 1223
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning diaper changing stations at restaurants.
Sponsors: Representatives Reeves, Doglio, Thai, Hudgins, Shewmake, Stanford, Appleton, Slatter, Frame and Macri.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/19
Staff: Robbi Kesler (786-7153).
Background:
Since 2016 federal law has required a diaper changing station be available to men and women in federal buildings that contain a public restroom.
Washington has no specific laws related to diaper changing stations. With the exception of federal buildings located in the state, no other business or public building is required to provide diaper changing facilities.
Summary of Bill:
Requires restaurants that offer a children's menu to install and maintain a diaper changing station in a restroom accessible to women and a restroom accessible to men, or a restroom accessible to both men and women. A restaurant is exempt from this requirement if:
it does not have a restroom available to the public;
the occupancy is less than 60 persons;
there is a restroom with the required changing table(s) within 300 feet; or
the existing restroom does not have the space required to install a diaper changing station.
For a first violation, the restaurant owner or operator will receive a warning letter from the city or county. For a subsequent violation, the restaurant owner or operator will be guilty of a class two civil infraction. The maximum penalty and the default amount for a class two civil infraction is $125, not including statutory assessments.
These requirements apply to new construction and renovations with a cost of $10,000 or more. Existing restaurants must comply by December 31, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.