Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, we will be reintroducing Senate Bill 1304 from the previous session to expand the number of adult changing stations in our Commonwealth’s most commonly used, large facilities. 
 
For many individuals in our commonwealth any activity or event that takes place in public may be inaccessible due to a lack of appropriate adult changing facilities at the venue hosting the activity or event. This includes sporting events, theaters, and even travel. Most facilities in our Commonwealth provide baby changing tables with a weight limit, often under 40 pounds. For older children or adults who require use of a changing table the lack of access to appropriate, sanitary, and safe changing stations presents an often insurmountable barrier to participation in basic civic and social events. 
 
Our legislation would require all new construction of state-owned facilities (i.e. civic buildings, highway rest stops), state-funded construction projects, and large public facilities of a certain capacity (i.e. stadiums, convention centers, theaters, and airports) 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 businesses. 
 
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. 

 

Previous co-sponsors of this legislation include: Hughes; Fontana; Schwank; Costa; Muth; Kane; Collett; L. WIlliams; and Robinson 
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to make our commonwealth a more inclusive place for all.