Bill would require baby changing tables

(Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Senate Democrat filed a proposal Thursday that would lead to a requirement in the Florida Building Code that baby changing tables be included in many buildings that are newly constructed or undergo “substantial” renovations.

Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, filed the proposal (SB 1082) for consideration during the legislative session that starts March 5.

The bill spells out various types of buildings where baby changing tables would be required, including shopping centers or malls larger than 25,000 square feet, retail stores larger than 5,000 square feet and restaurants that seat at least 50 people, unless a baby changing table is located within 300 feet of the restaurant’s entrance.

The bill also says changing tables would have to be accessible to men, in either the men's restroom, or a shared changing table accessible to both men and women.

The requirement would also apply to theaters, sports arenas, convention centers, public libraries, passenger terminals and amusement parks.