Alabama May Soon Require Adult-Sized Changing Tables in Public Buildings

Determined to bring attention to this issue, Wilson reached out to Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), which led to the introduction of Senate Bill 83 (SB 83). This proposed law would require powered, height-adjustable, adult-sized changing tables to be installed in newly constructed or renovated public buildings across Alabama, starting in 2028.

A Push for Dignity and Accessibility

“The bill is about dignity, accessibility, and inclusion,” Wilson told the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on Wednesday.

Currently, thousands of Alabamians—including both children and adults with disabilities—lack access to proper restroom facilities. Many caregivers are left with no choice but to change their loved ones on unsanitary restroom floors, in parked cars, or leave public places altogether.

According to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 430,000 Alabamians report having an ambulatory disability. Of those, 5,000 are under the age of 18.

Wilson’s son, Lorde, was born prematurely at 29 weeks and later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay. Though she hopes he will eventually be able to use the restroom independently, for now, she has no proper options when they are away from home.

“I’ve had to change Lorde’s pull-up in our car, in full view of strangers,” Wilson explained. “Other times, I’ve laid him down on a cold, dirty bathroom floor because there was simply no other option. I’ve even been ridiculed for changing my child in public.”

The Cost and Implementation of SB 83

If passed, SB 83 would only apply to newly built public buildings or major renovations costing $500,000 or more. The estimated cost of each changing table is $15,000, with state and local governments being responsible for funding the installations.

Portable changing tables do exist, but their price ranges from $1,700 to $10,000, making them an unrealistic option for many families.

The legislation also includes a provision for grants that could help fund installations in high-traffic public locations, though these funds would need to be approved by the Legislature.

Parents Speak Out on the Urgent Need for Change

Wilson was joined by other parents, including Amanda Dixon, the mother of an 8-year-old child with disabilities.

“I’ve been confronted by the police for changing my son in my car,” Dixon shared. “I was told it was public indecency. But what other choice do I have?”

During the hearing, Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) acknowledged that while this bill is a step in the right direction, its 2028 start date means families still face years without a solution.

“This is going to take a while,” Figures said. “And these families need help now.”

As SB 83 moves forward, advocates hope it will create a more inclusive and accessible Alabama, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of ability—can navigate public spaces with dignity.