Diaper-changing stations would have to be available in both men's and women's bathrooms under new legislation

MADISON - New legislation is meant to end a diaper disparity. 

Under a bill by three Milwaukee Democrats, public buildings and commercial buildings would have to have diaper-changing stations available to both men and women. 

Rep. Jonathan Brostoff said he was introducing the legislation because he found some establishments have diaper-changing stations in women's restrooms but not men's restrooms. He became familiar with the issue as he toted his 9-month-old son, Boaz, from place to place.

"A lot of the establishments I was going into, it was only the guy's bathrooms (that didn't have changing stations)," Brostoff said. "The women's bathroom did actually have it. I thought that was kind of weird."

He's working on the legislation with Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. David Crowley, who are running against each other in a crowded field for Milwaukee County executive. 

Brostoff said he hoped Republicans who control the Legislature would sign onto the bill, noting similar measures have passed in red states. 

"It's not a Democratic or a Republican thing. It's a parent thing," he said.

The legislation would require public buildings and commercial buildings with restrooms open to the public to have diaper-changing stations that are available in both men's and women's bathrooms or in gender-neutral bathrooms. 

Existing buildings would not have to comply with the requirement unless they embarked on renovations. Taverns and other establishments that don't allow children also would not have to comply with the requirement. 

Brandon Scholz, a lobbyist for the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said exemptions like those were important. But he also questioned the need for the legislation, saying smart businesses would recognize their customers' needs and provide diaper-changing stations without having a specific requirement to do so.

"This is a service that you try to provide for your customers and if you can do it, you do," he said. "I'm not certain you need a law."

Brostoff estimated diaper-changing stations would cost about $150. The legislation would also require building owners to post signs about where the stations are located.

You can find out who your legislators are and how to contact them here: https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/

Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.