Lawmakers weigh bill to require universal changing stations in new public buildings

Legislation that would require at least one universal, fully accessible changing station in newly constructed, reconstructed or substantially renovated public buildings drew widespread support at a committee hearing. Senator Rausch and Representative Garberly, sponsors of the companion bills, described accounts of parents and people with disabilities forced to change adults and children on bathroom floors, bar tops or cars because facilities lacked appropriate tables. “This is also true, sometimes for people with disabilities, physical disabilities who are trying to access changing tables that just don't exist, in an accessible way,” Senator Rausch said.

Parents and caregivers described how universal tables made travel possible and preserved privacy and health. Jamie Betts, founder of the Massachusetts chapter of the Changing Spaces Campaign, said a powered, adjustable table at an airport allowed her to change an older child without laying them on a dirty floor. Jennifer Bertrand of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said families sometimes intentionally restrict fluid intake or skip outings when no changing options exist.

Supporters asked that the requirement apply only to new construction and substantial renovations to limit costs and pointed to a $10,000 pilot grant in the budget to help small businesses retrofit bathrooms. Witnesses said costs can be modest—several speakers cited figures from a few hundred dollars to about $4,000 for powered units in historic buildings—and argued the measures advance accessibility and community inclusion.