SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan in the state capitol to add more baby changing tables to public and private venues passed out of the Illinois House Tuesday.
The bill would make all hotels, public and private schools, movie theaters, small entertainment venues like bowling alleys, healthcare facilities, more restaurants and public parks with restrooms install a baby changing station.Â
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) said the bill came from a constituent, who said he had to change his baby's diaper on restaurant floors.
"And he's actually the one who brought to my attention that some of the restaurants that he has visited there are none," Hernandez said.
The constituent is Illinoisan father Kyle Comstock, who said in committee last month that many family friendly venues do not have baby changing tables.
"I don't know how you can call a restaurant 'family friendly' and not have a changing table," Comstock said. "You're really putting me in a weird situation there. Do you want me sitting on the table next to me while I'm changing my son? That doesn't sound appetizing to me."
GOP lawmakers opposed the bill, citing opposition from the Illinois Retail Association.Â
The plan passed out of the House on a partisan 75-38 vote. It will now head to the Senate floor, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.
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