Committee approves bill to fund adult changing stations in public facilities

House Bill 40 would set standards and a funding pathway to install universal adult changing stations — hydraulic, permanently installed tables designed to assist caretakers and people who use wheelchairs — in qualifying public facilities across New Mexico, the sponsor told the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee.

Representative Kates, the bill sponsor, said adult changing tables can cost widely, typically between $8,000 and $18,000 for purchase and installation, with the committee’s analysis budgeting up to $25,000 per installation to allow for site‑specific needs. The sponsor said the program would rely on capital outlay appropriations from legislators and that the New Mexico Tourism Department agreed to absorb administrative costs for a proposed map and designation program called “Traveling with Dignity.”

Supporters included disability advocates and service providers. Tomasita, a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, described the practical barriers families face without accessible changing facilities. “When this bill gets passed, they will be able to have a more active lifestyle,” a witness testified.

The committee considered and adopted a cleanup amendment that clarifies historic‑building compliance and narrows coverage to premises that already have a family or gender‑neutral restroom. The sponsor said the amendment reduces the bill’s scope by focusing on existing family restrooms or facilities undergoing renovation rather than mandating wholesale retrofit of every site immediately. The sponsor also said the statutory installation deadline phases in over seven years.

Committee members pressed on cost ranges and the bill’s scope. Representative Mason said he supported the concept but expressed concern about the bill’s scope and the wide fiscal ranges in the fiscal impact report. Witnesses explained that state parks, fairs and other venues may be prioritized depending on available capital outlay funding and that the program would not obligate the state to install tables beyond amounts appropriated each year.

Representative Matthews moved a do pass recommendation on the committee substitute and Representative Mason asked to explain his later no vote. The committee clerk announced the final tally: 10 yes, 1 no. Representative Mason stated he supported the concept but wanted clearer definitions in the bill text before floor consideration.