Sen. Laura Ellman votes in favor of HB4379 mandating adult changing stations in select public buildings

During the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote for HB4379, legislation that requires certain public buildings to install adult changing stations; the measure passed in the Senate by a vote of 46-12, according to the Illinois Senate.

The official text of the bill summarizes its key focus as: "ADULT CHANGING STATIONS."

The following explanation is drawn from and clarifies details in the actual legislative text.

Essentially, HB4379 amends Illinois’ Equitable Restrooms Act to make it mandatory for state-owned and certain large public buildings—such as airports, hospitals, major stores, museums, and parks—to provide adult changing stations that comply with specific safety, accessibility and equipment guidelines. It stipulates the definition for adult changing stations and powered, height-adjustable tables, requires ongoing cleaning, repairs and ADA-compliant floor space, and mandates visible signage and listing in building directories. Beginning Jan. 1, 2029, all new covered structures must install at least one station in an all-gender, single-occupancy restroom; from Jan. 1, 2031, relevant renovations over $10,000 must include similar facilities.

The action taken on HB4379 was 'Third Reading - Passed.'

Ellman earned her Bachelor of Science from Grinnell College in 1987.

The Democrat has served in the Illinois State Senate since her 2019 election, representing the 21st Senate District following Michael Connelly.

In Illinois, bills advance via a multi-step legislative process beginning with introduction in either chamber, followed by committee assessment, floor debate, and votes in both the House and Senate before the governor can sign or veto. Each two-year session, thousands of bills are proposed but only a fraction are enacted into law.