SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2661

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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SENATE, April 27, 2020.

The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 75) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and Maria Duaime Robinson  for legislation to provide for diaper changing stations in public buildings and accommodations, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2661).

For the committee,

Sonia Chang-Diaz

        FILED ON: 2/4/2020

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2661

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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An Act providing for diaper changing stations in public buildings and accommodations.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 143 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 100 the following section:-

Section 101. All public buildings shall install and maintain at least one baby diaper changing station in a semi-private area accessible to caretakers regardless of sex, gender, or disability.  All places of public accommodation, resort or amusement as defined in Chapter 272 of the General Laws that provide a public bathroom shall install and maintain at least one baby diaper changing station in a semi-private area accessible to caretakers regardless of sex, gender, or disability.  This section applies to (a) all public buildings; (b) public accommodations constructed on or after the effective date of this section; and (c) public accommodations existing on or after the effective date of this section which undergo substantial renovation or remodeling. This section shall not apply to public accommodations that are generally restricted in age to those of 13 years or more. Each station shall include signage at or near the entrance to the station indicating the location of the baby changing station.  If there is a central directory identifying, for the benefit of the public, the location of offices, restrooms, and other facilities in the building, that central directory shall indicate the location of the baby diaper changing stations.  The provisions of this section may be implemented in compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding access for persons with disabilities, and with existing fire, health, and safety standards.