Rep. Martha Deuter supports HB4379 mandating adult changing stations in public facilities

Rep. Martha Deuter (D-45th) cast a Yes vote on HB4379 to mandate adult changing stations in public buildings during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The Illinois House passed the bill by an 83-22 margin.

The bill's official text summarizes the initiative as: "ADULT CHANGING STATIONS."

The information below offers a detailed summary based on the bill's language and is intended to clarify its main requirements.

Essentially, the legislation broadens the Equitable Restrooms Act in Illinois to require adult changing stations that meet strict safety, accessibility and equipment standards in state-owned and certain public buildings—including large retailers, airports, hospitals, museums and parks. It establishes definitions for adult changing stations and sets guidelines for height-adjustable powered tables. Facility owners and operators would be responsible for regular upkeep to ensure cleanliness, maintenance, and ADA-compliant space. The law also calls for clear signage and listings in directories to indicate station locations. Beginning Jan. 1, 2029, all newly constructed covered buildings, as well as renovations of existing buildings with projects totaling at least $10,000 starting Jan. 1, 2031, must have at least one compliant table in a single-occupancy, all-gender public restroom.

The legislative action recorded on HB4379 was 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 House Concurs.'

Deuter is an Ohio University alumna, finishing her BSW in 1995.

Running as a Democrat, Deuter was elected in 2025 to represent the 45th House District in Illinois, succeeding Jenn Ladisch Douglass.

In Illinois, legislation must pass through a comprehensive legislative process beginning with introduction, followed by committee evaluation, debates, and chamber votes before advancing to the governor, who can sign the bill or issue a veto. The General Assembly works on two-year cycles and, although thousands of bills are filed each session, a small percentage are ultimately enacted.