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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 17, 2019 03:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Pam Iovino and Sen. Camera Bartolotta |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Adult Changing Stations |
| In the near future, we will be introducing legislation to expand the number of adult changing stations in our Commonwealth’s most commonly-used, large facilities. For a variety of reasons, some individuals in our Commonwealth require the use of a changing table. Baby changing tables are available in most restrooms, yet those can only accommodate infants and small toddlers under 35-40 pounds. Other children or adults who require a changing table, including disabled veterans and some senior citizens, are thus forced to use dirty restroom floors or the backs of vehicles (typically in public view.) For many individuals, families, and caregivers, this seemingly small, yet extremely inconvenient, impediment precludes them from attending sporting or cultural events, going to see a movie or traveling across the Commonwealth. Any activity or event in public that lasts for multiple hours may be inaccessible for these individuals, as well as for their friends and families. However, with often minor adjustments, many facilities and spaces can be accessible and inclusive to all. Adult changing stations provide powered, height-adjustable changing tables and extra space for caregivers and wheelchair users. They are able to fit in private, family-sized restrooms. They make restrooms adaptive, accessible, and potentially universal to everyone, including individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Our legislation would require state-owned buildings (i.e. civic buildings, highway rest stops) and large public facilities of a certain capacity (i.e. stadiums, theaters) to install adult changing stations and notify the public of their availability. Only high-capacity facilities where people typically spend many hours will be covered under this legislation, as to not disproportionately affect small, family-owned businesses. Note that this legislation will be the subject of a Senate Labor and Industry Committee hearing. Future versions of this legislation will incorporate stakeholder testimony from that hearing. Please join us in helping to make more spaces in our communities and Commonwealth accessible and enjoyable for everyone. |
Introduced as SB914