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Senate approves requirement for adult sanitary changing stations in large public facilities
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Summary
Lawmakers passed a bill requiring large public facilities to provide adult sanitary changing stations, supporters saying the measure increases access for people with disabilities and caregivers; proponents described personal encounters underscoring the need.
The Senate on June 9 approved legislation that would require certain large public facilities to provide adult sanitary changing stations to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and those who assist them.
Senator David Harckham introduced the measure on the floor and described how advocates told him the absence of adult changing stations limited the ability of people with disabilities to travel and attend public events. "Places like the Thruway and the Capitol and Legislative Office Building did not have sanitary changing stations for adults," Harckham said, adding that the bill "requires public buildings, with accommodations of more than 2,500 ... to have these facilities so that we're breaking down barriers for folks with differing abilities."
Senator James Rawlinson (Rawlinson) described visiting events hosted by disability‑advocacy groups and said organizers often bring large portable changing units because venues lack permanent facilities. "They bring these changing stations to the venue...they are big units, require large vans to bring them to the venue so they can enjoy a night out," Rawlinson said, adding that the bill advances "traveling with dignity."
Supporters called the bill a practical accessibility change that helps veterans, people with traumatic brain injuries and others who need assistance or specialized equipment. The Senate adopted the bill by recorded vote; the clerk announced the result with one senator recorded in the negative.
Why it matters: The measure targets accessibility barriers that disability advocates say exclude people from public life. Supporters framed it as making public spaces usable for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers, while opponents raised cost or scope concerns in limited remarks.
What happens next: With passage on June 9, the bill goes to the governor for signature. If signed, covered facilities will need to install and maintain adult sanitary changing stations according to the law’s specifications.
