H4851 — An Act requiring universal changing stations in public buildings

Summary

An Act requiring universal changing stations in public buildings

Bill Text

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This bill mandates the installation of universal changing stations in newly constructed or remodeled state-owned public buildings starting January 1, 2028, and establishes definitions and regulations related to their implementation.

• Section 93 of chapter 143

  Any State owned and maintained public building containing a public toilet room that is newly constructed, reconstructed or remodeled on or after January 1, 2028 shall install and maintain at least 1 universal changing station. The bathroom shall be conspicuously marked as containing a public changing table. The changing table shall be capable of supporting a minimum of 350 pounds and providing a changing surface of 70 inches minimum in length and 30 inches minimum in width and open so that the top of the changing table is at least twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) inches off the floor.

  This adds a requirement for universal changing stations in public buildings.

• Section 93 of chapter 143

  “Universal changing station,” an adult sized changing table designed to hold at least 350lbs that is located within an enclosed restroom facility that is for use by persons of any age who require assistance with diapering and is accessible by persons of any sex. "State owned and maintained”, is a building with a public bathroom belonging to, funded by, and controlled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its political subdivisions, and its public authorities and other public instrumentalities.

  This introduces definitions for 'universal changing station' and 'state owned and maintained'.

• Section 93 of chapter 143

  The board shall adopt regulations regarding the requirement that any State-owned and maintained public building that is newly constructed, reconstructed or remodeled on or after January 1, 2028 to install and maintain at least 1 universal changing station.

  This requires the board to create regulations concerning universal changing stations in public buildings.

• Section 93 of chapter 143

  (1) a requirement that the entrance to each universal changing station has conspicuous signage indicating the location of the station; (2) a requirement that if a public building has a central directory, said central directory must indicate the location of the universal changing station; (3) a requirement for signage indicating the weight capacity and instructions for operation of the changing station within the room; (4) the process for determining exemptions and further details of the exemptions listed in Section 4(c); (5) a requirement that all universal changing stations shall: (A) provide safety features of sidebar rails and safety belts; (B) be located inside a private restroom or in a private stall, enclosed area or privacy screen within a multi-stall restroom; (C) provide adequate space for assistance for end and side clearance; and (D) comply with all requirements of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act; (6) any other issues regarding implementation that the board deems appropriate.

  This outlines specific requirements and considerations for the regulations pertaining to universal changing stations.

• Section 93 of chapter 143

  (1) the installation would not be feasible. (2) the installation would create a condition that does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for access for persons with disabilities. (3) the installation would destroy the historic significance of a historic property; (4) the building is not frequented by the public; or (5) the cost of the proposed reconstruction or remodeling without the inclusion of a changing table does not exceed $10,000

  This sets forth criteria by which the board may grant exemptions from the installation requirements.

Sponsors

• Families and Persons with Disabilities Joint Committee on Children · Primary

Subjects