Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5611

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
5/15/25  
Engrossed
5/22/25  
Refer
5/23/25  
Report Pass
6/2/25  
Enrolled
6/10/25  

Caption

Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to result in significant changes to state laws regarding public building requirements. By requiring universal changing stations, the bill will align Rhode Island's public facilities with growing trends towards inclusive design and improved accessibility standards. The regulations to be developed by the Department of Administration will outline essential features such as signage, weight capacity, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that these stations are functional and welcoming to all users.

Summary

House Bill H5611 mandates the installation of universal changing stations in all public buildings that are newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled after January 1, 2027. The bill aims to enhance accessibility for individuals of all ages who require assistance with diapering, accommodating a more inclusive approach to public facilities. This initiative is designed to ensure that public buildings cater to diverse needs, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life for families and individuals with disabilities.

Contention

While the intent behind H5611 is clearly focused on enhancing public accessibility, there may be points of contention regarding cost and feasibility. The bill does provide exemptions for certain circumstances, such as when the installation would not be feasible, would compromise historic properties, or when costs exceed a specific threshold. These exemptions indicate an awareness of the complexities involved in adapting existing structures and a balance between public needs and practical limitations. Nonetheless, the bill emphasizes the need for public facilities to serve all community members, generating discussions on how resources might be allocated to meet both compliance and community expectations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6261

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 From The American Rescue Plan Act Funds To The Town Of Foster To Resolve Covid-inflated Costs Impacting Construction Addressing Public Safety, Building Code And Ada Compliance Issues With The Town's Police Station And Public Safety Complex (authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $1,000,000 To The Town Of Foster For Relief In Combating Elevated Covid-related Construction Costs To The Town's Police Station And Public Safety Complex.)

RI S2450

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

RI H7238

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

RI S2185

Requires information on the public's rights and privileges of the shore to be included in disclosure forms for the sale of vacant land or real property.

RI H7376

Requires written acknowledgment from any buyer of oceanfront or shoreline property that they have been informed of the public's rights and privileges of the shore.

RI S2742

Modernizes all state library laws by eliminating the clearinghouse advisory committee, updating how the clearinghouse publishes its list of publications, reducing the number of physical copies and facilitating digital publication.

RI H7475

Modernizes all state library laws by eliminating the clearinghouse advisory committee, updating how the clearinghouse publishes its list of publications, reducing the number of physical copies and facilitating digital publication.

RI S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H8344

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.