| Chapter 060 |
| 2025 -- S 0387 Enacted 06/13/2025 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- PUBLIC BUILDINGS |
Introduced By: Senators Appollonio, Dimitri, Urso, Bissaillon, Tikoian, DiPalma, Pearson, Burke, Euer, and McKenney |
| Date Introduced: February 26, 2025 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Chapter 37-8 of the General Laws entitled "Public Buildings" is hereby |
| amended by adding thereto the following section: |
| 37-8-21. Universal changing stations required in public buildings. |
| (a) The department of administration shall, by January 1, 2026, adopt regulations requiring |
| any public building that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled on or after January 1, |
| 2027 to install and maintain at least one universal changing station. |
| (b) The regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this section shall include the |
| following: |
| (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 |
| shall indicate the location of the universal changing station; and |
| (3) A requirement that all universal changing stations shall: |
| (i) Be capable of supporting up to three hundred fifty pounds (350 lbs.); |
| (ii) Be equipped with a height-adjustable changing table; |
| (iii) Be located inside a private restroom or in a private stall, enclosed area, or privacy |
| screen within a multi-stall restroom; |
| (iv) Provide adequate space for assistance; and |
| (v) Comply with all requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. |
| (c) The department may grant an exemption from the requirements of this section if it |
| determines: |
| (1) The installation would not be feasible; |
| (2) The installation would result in a failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities |
| Act standards for access for persons with disabilities; |
| (3) The cost of the proposed reconstruction or remodeling without the inclusion of the |
| changing table does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000); |
| (4) The installation would destroy the historic significance of a historic property; or |
| (5) The building is not frequented by the public. |
| (d) For the purposes of this chapter, “universal changing station,” means a changing station |
| 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. |
| SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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| LC001229 |
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