Virginia one step closer to requiring diaper-changing stations in new buildings’ public bathrooms

Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, had an “ah-ha” moment when her daughter, now three, was a newborn. She’d been at a restaurant and needed to change her diaper but there was no changing station in the bathroom. Virginia law doesn’t require them in public restrooms, but that may soon change.

“It’s something that you don’t necessarily notice, or don’t notice when it’s missing — until you need it,” she said.

As a state lawmaker, she knew the next window of opportunity to update the state’s uniform building code would come in 2026. The process, where public health, safety and efficiency standards can be set for future construction, happens every three years.

At the state’s May 11 Board of Housing and Community Development meeting, it advanced the Northern Virginia lawmaker’s proposal to require changing tables in public bathrooms. After the public has the chance to weigh in, there will be a final vote on the measure.

Bennett-Parker also planned to submit a proposal to include adult changing stations, which resemble the ones for babies, albeit a bit larger. But she learned that Virginia’s code was already being updated to include it. The adult-sized stations can help people with mobility...