New Washington state law gives dads diaper duty access

What's happening: A measure that Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law Tuesday will require new or renovated buildings in Washington to provide baby changing tables that are accessible to parents of all genders.

• That means installing changing stations in both men's and women's bathrooms, or placing a baby changing table in a gender-neutral bathroom that is open to all.
• Existing buildings would need to add changing stations when undergoing a renovation that costs $15,000 or more.

What they're saying: "When my children were babies, often the only place with a diaper changing table — if there was one — was in the women's restroom," said state Rep. Victoria Hunt (D-Issaquah), the bill's sponsor, during a House floor debate in March.

• This policy "will give more caregivers, including fathers and grandfathers, more access to diaper changing tables," Hunt said.
• "Changes like these make life easier for families with young children," Ferguson said upon signing the bill Tuesday.

What's next: The new law takes effect in late July.