2025 -- H 5611

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LC001793

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- PUBLIC BUILDINGS

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Chippendale, Azzinaro, Finkelman, Casey,
Casimiro, Kazarian, Hopkins, Morales, and Dawson

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     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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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- PUBLIC BUILDINGS

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     This act would require the installation of universal changing stations in all newly

constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation in

the state, starting in 2027. The act would define a "universal changing station" as an enclosed

changing facility accessible to people of all ages and genders who require assistance with diapering.

The act would provide the department of administration is responsible for adopting regulations to

specify the requirements for these stations, such as signage, size, and compliance with the

Americans with Disabilities Act. The act would also allow for exemptions in certain cases, such as

when installation is not feasible or would compromise historic significance

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001793

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