HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 275        FILED ON: 1/11/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 212

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act requiring universal changing stations in public buildings.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 275        FILED ON: 1/11/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 212

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act requiring universal changing stations in public buildings.

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. The fourth paragraph of section 13A of chapter 22 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- The board shall also make rules and regulations requiring that any public building or place of public accommodation that is newly constructed, reconstructed or remodeled on or after January 1, 2026 shall install and maintain at least 1 universal changing station.

SECTION 2. Said section 13A of said chapter 22, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “physically handicapped person” the following definition:- “Place of public accommodation,” public parks, rest stops and all other areas defined as places of public accommodation in section 92A of chapter 272 of the General Laws.

SECTION 3. Said section 13A of said chapter 22, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Remodeling” the following definition:- “Universal changing station,” 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 4. (a) The architectural access board established in section 13A of chapter 22 of the General Laws shall, by January 1, 2024, adopt regulations requiring any public building that is newly constructed, reconstructed or remodeled on or after January 1, 2026 to install and maintain at least 1 universal changing station.

(b) The regulations adopted by the architectural access board 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 must indicate the location of the universal changing station; and

(3) a requirement that all universal changing stations shall:

(A) be capable of supporting up to 350 pounds;

(B) be equipped with a height-adjustable changing table;

(C) be located inside a private restroom or in a private stall, enclosed area or privacy screen within a multi-stall restroom;

(D) provide adequate space for assistance; and

(E) comply with all requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

(c) The architectural access board 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 installation would destroy the historic significance of a historic property; or

(4) the building is not frequented by the public.