Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0387

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
5/1/25  
Engrossed
5/8/25  
Refer
5/9/25  
Report Pass
5/29/25  
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 bill places a proactive requirement on public buildings, ensuring that changing stations are available for all ages and genders. The Department of Administration will be tasked with creating regulations that outline the specifications for the changing stations, including prominent signage, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and specific design features to accommodate various needs. This initiative is expected to significantly impact community facilities, providing an essential service that acknowledges the diverse needs of the public.

Summary

Bill S0387 mandates that all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation in Rhode Island must install universal changing stations by January 1, 2027. This legislation aims to enhance accessibility in public spaces for individuals who require assistance with diapering, including families with children and adults with disabilities. By specifying the requirements for these installations, the bill seeks to create more inclusive environments across the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for exemptions under certain circumstances, which could lead to debates regarding accessibility versus practical constraints. Exemptions can be granted if the department determines that installation is not feasible, would compromise historic property significance, or in cases where the cost of modifications is prohibitive. Critics may argue that these exemptions could diminish the intended benefits of the law by allowing some buildings to bypass compliance.

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.